The Māori lesbian activist trailblazer who broke academic records

Ngāhuia te Awekōtuku has led such a rich, full life already that her memoir only covers the first 26 years of her life - from 1949-1975.  And it’s a rollicking ride. 

The emeritus professor was the first Maori woman to get a doctorate from a New Zealand university. She later became first Maori woman professor. But that all happens later. This memoir charts her formative years, including her founding role in Gay and women’s liberation movements and also significant Maori activism.  

Among her many roles, Ngahuia's been professor of Māori Studies at Victoria University of Wellington, professor of research and development at Waikato University, and lecturer in art history at the University of Auckland – where she started her academic life as a student. 

Guest: Ngāhuia Te Awekōtuku -  emeritus professor and author of new memoir Hine Toa – A story of bravery  - winner of General Non-Fiction in Ockham NZ Book Awards 2025 

Producer: Sarah Allely