Oxford University Awards Posthumous Degree to Māori Scholar Mākereti Papakura
Oxford University has posthumously awarded a degree to Mākereti Papakura, believed to be the first indigenous woman to study at the institution. The ceremony, held nearly 100 years after she first attended, recognized her pioneering work in anthropology.
A Century of Recognition
Over 100 people traveled from Aotearoa New Zealand to attend the graduation ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford. Papakura's descendants were presented with her Master’s in Philosophy from the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography.
Mākereti Papakura: Scholar and Trailblazer
Born in 1873, Mākereti Papakura matriculated to Oxford University in 1927 to study anthropology at the Pitt Rivers Museum. Her thesis explored the customs and practices of Te Arawa from a female perspective. She died in 1930, just weeks before presenting her thesis, which was later published as "The Old Time Māori" by TK Penniman.
“Mākereti Papakura has been a legend in our family for over a hundred years. We learned about her prowess as a guide, an entrepreneur, an entertainer, an astute businesswoman and an academic scholar when our parents and grandparents talked about her and their memories of her." - June Northcroft Grant, relative of Mākereti Papakura.
Family's Dedication to Preserving Her Legacy
For decades, Papakura's descendants have tirelessly advocated for recognition of her achievements. Relative June Northcroft Grant received the degree certificate on behalf of the whānau, emphasizing that Papakura's story has been shared within the family for generations as a vital piece of history.
Oxford University Honors a Remarkable Woman
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor of Oxford University, presided over the ceremony. She acknowledged Mākereti Papakura's profound influence, noting her inspiration to many within the Māori community and beyond. Evie O’Brien, chief executive of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa and a board member for the Pitt Rivers Museum, also shared her connection to Papakura's story.
Celebrating Māori Traditions in Oxford
Following the graduation, a haka pōwhiri, speeches, and kapa haka took place at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, the site of the inaugural Mākereti Papakura Lecture in 2022. These events honored both Oxford and Māori traditions.
Groundbreaking Research and Lasting Impact
Mākereti Papakura's research is recognized as the first ethnographic study published by a Māori author. Her book, "The Old-Time Māori," provides invaluable insights into the customs of her people. She chose to be buried in Oddington, Oxfordshire, signifying her enduring connection with both Aotearoa and Oxford.
