RANGI TOPEORA
C. 1800-UNKNOWN
Rangi Topeora was born into a powerful family whose members included her brother Te Ranghiaeata, who fought against European oppression. Early in life, she was a famous composer of waiata (a popular traditional form of Māori music) but soon became an important leader. One of only five women to sign the Treaty of Waitangi, she had considerable control of property and land and was involved in numerous negotiations. Topeora rejected European clothing throughout her life, preferring to wear traditional Māori attire.