The Claimant

Memory Memilia Hineikakerangi Te Whaiti was born at Moiki near Martinborough February 25 1924, one of eight children.

Her parents were Paora Taki McKinley and Hineariki Te Apatu.

Niniwa Heremaia was responsible for the first name when, on being congratulated by a Native Land Court Judge for having such a good memory, Niniwa asked for that name to be given to her grand-niece.

Memory spent her youth between Moiki on a dairy farm with her parents and at Titirangi a 'papa kainga' with her maternal grandparents Erina Hinetauira Aporo and Haeata Ngawaka Te Apatu.

She married Samuel Joseph Te Whaiti from Pirinoa when she was 22 years old, and together they had five children.

They moved to Mangakino in 1954 and Memory has remained there since, Sam having passed away in 1978.

Memory has always had a deep interest in her hapuu and the numerous problems her immediate ancestors had with the Crown during the process of European colonisation and settlement of Wairarapa. She has always had a strong commitment to Maori holding onto their land, Te Reo and culture.