Sharples, Dr Pita R Biography 1991

SHARPLES, Dr Pita R
CBE 1990, Justice of the Peace 1978
Maori Cultural Leader; Educationalist; Composer
Born Waipawa 20 July 1941, son of Paul Sharples and Ruiha (nee Niania), two sons one daughter (Member Ngati Kahungunu tribe and Ngai Te Kikiri O Te Rangi and Ngati Pahau Wera sub-tribes)
Educated Te Aute College, Hawke’s Bay; Auckland Secondary Teachers College, Teachers’ Certificate 1965, Diploma Teaching 1966; Auckland University, BA 1967, MA (1st Class Hons) 1969, PhD 1977.
Part-time teacher, Lynfield College, Auckland, 1965
Junior Lecturer, Department of Anthropology, Auckland University, 1967-69; PhD postgraduate scholarship (BP Scholarship), Auckland University, 1970-72
Executive Officer, Office of Race Relations Conciliator, Auckland (continues to act as facilitator at international ethnic, racial, cultural conferences and festivals), 1972-80; Director of Culture, Department of Maori Affairs, 1980-91
Director, Maori welcome, opening and closing ceremonies, Commonwealth Games, Auckland 1990 (recruited, trained, choreographed Maori input; also composed music, lyrics), 1989-90
Director, Hoani Waititi Marae, Auckland (built, developed this urban marae and began many activities including Maori teacher training programme, school, youth rehabilitation programmes, community court, health unit), 1990-;
Associate Professor, Education Department, Auckland University 1991-
First Chairman (8 years), now Executive Member, Runanganui O Ngati Kahungunu (tribal authority for Hawke’s Bay from Wairoa to Wairarapa united Kahungunu tribe)
Co-founder, Runanga concept as concept for Iwi authorities 1981, which now accepted under Runanga Iwi Act and applied to all tribes, established Kura Kaupapa Maori Movement, built first school (at Hoani Waititi Marae), served on three Tomorrow’s Schools committees to promote the school type, led lobby for recognition of Kura Kaupapa Maori to be included in Education Act 1989
Member, Kura Kaupapa Maori National Curriculum Development Board; served on Johnson Committee on race relations in secondary schools; Trustee, NZ Education Foundation. Deputy Chairman, NZ Polynesian Festival Committee (now Aotearoa Maori Festival of Arts), 12 years; Chairman Auckland Maori Festival Committee; Chairman, Te Whanau o Tamaki Makaurau Federation of Maori cultural groups; Leader, Te Roopu Manutaki Maori Cultural Group, twice national champions and NZ representatives, numerous overseas tours; devised, preserved art of fighting with taiaha into graded martial art (leading exponent of use of weapon with title Tumu Whakarae [Master]; Founder, National School of Maori Weaponry (Te Runanga Tu Taua mau Taiaha o Aotearoa) 1990; Trustee, National Maori Nurses Trust Association; Member, Rutherford High School Board of Governors 12 years, Queen Victoria School Board of Governors 10 years.
Publications: numerous papers, articles on Maori people and race relations in NZ.
Recreations: Maori performing arts, Maori martial arts, jogging, ten pin bowling, gym fitness, composing Maori music and haka.
Address: 6 James Scott Place, Glendene, Waitakere City, Auckland