The 14th of July marks the Passing of the prominent Māori leader, politician, lawyer and scholar Sir Apirana Ngata (Ngati Porou) in 1950. Gaining a BA in politics 1893, Apirana Ngata became the first Māori to complete a degree at a New Zealand University, furthermore in 1896 completing a LLB, he also became the first New Zealander to gain a double degree. Apirana is commonly known as the foremost Māori politician to have ever served in parliament, first elected in 1905 for the Eastern Māori electorate, he held the position consecutively until 1943. Apirana quickly made a name for himself in parliament as a skilled orator and outspoken against the of the government's policies towards Māori, particularly those designed at encouraging the sale of Māori land. However Apirana Ngata was not only a politician, he was also known for his commitment to the promotion and protection of Māori culture and language; actively promoting haka, poi, traditional carving, and the construction of wharenui around the country as well as writing extensively on the place of Māori culture in the modern age. It is no wonder then that people from all over New Zealand honoured him at his tangi depicted here.

The National Film Unit was established to publicise New Zealand's participation and achievements during the Second World War. After 1945 the Film Unit expanded from producing weekly newsreels to making documentaries and films to the order of Government Departments. During its existence the Film Unit produced films for national organisations as well as many films on its own initiative. The private film industry in New Zealand relied heavily on the National Film Unit's extensive film processing facilities.

For updates on our On This Day series and news from Archives New Zealand, follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/ArchivesNZ

Material from Archives New Zealand

New Zealand National Film Unit presents Weekly Review No. 458 (1950)

FUNERAL OF SIR APIRANA NGATA. 223 ft. Parties from every Māori tribe in New Zealand take part in the tangi for the distinguished Māori leader, statesman and scholar - Sir Apirana Ngata.

CHRISTCHURCH PREPARES. 402 ft. Preparations in Christchurch for the Canterbury Centennial Celebrations.

DV File of Beta SP Telecine (Tape 234) of 35mm film- 200,624