Iriaka Ratana was the first Māori Member of Parliament in New Zealand. She was a member of the Ratana movement, which was a religious and political movement that aimed to improve the welfare of Māori people in New Zealand. Ratana was elected to Parliament in 1949 and served as a Member of Parliament until her death in 1967. During her time in Parliament, she worked to improve the lives of Māori people and was a strong advocate for social justice and equality. She is still remembered today as a trailblazer for Māori representation in New Zealand politics.
