Matiu Ratana

Matiu Ratana
Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Western Maori
In office 10 February 1945 – 7 October 1949
Preceded by	Toko Ratana
Succeeded by	Iriaka Ratana
Personal details
Born	16 December 1912 Parewanui, New Zealand
Died	7 October 1949 Wanganui, New Zealand
Political party	Labour

Matiu Rātana (16 December 1912 – 7 October 1949), son of Tahupotiki Wiremu Rātana, is a former New Zealand politician and President of the Rātana Church.

A younger brother to Haami Tokouru Ratana he succeeded to the Church Presidency, and to the Western Maori electorate (from 10 February 1945, after a by-election) after his brother's death in 1944.

Matiu Rātana died on 7 October 1949 in Wanganui Hospital after a car accident. He was succeeded by his wife Iriaka Ratana as MP. She was the first female Māori MP.

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