Ranginui Walker papers.

Ranginui Joseph Isaac Walker (1932-2016), academic, author, and activist, belonged to the Ngati Rua and Ngati Patumoana hapu of the Whakatohea tribal group. He grew up near Opotiki and the main influences on his early life were his extended family, farming, the Catholic Church and schools, and Maori customs and traditions.

In 1950, Walker came to Auckland to undertake teacher training and, in 1953, after compulsory military training at the Papakura Camp, married Dierdre Dodson, who also trained in education. They had 3 children. Walker went on to study at the University of Auckland, finishing his PhD in 1970. He was a lecturer at the Auckland Teachers' College and at the Centre for Continuing Education. Ranginui was appointed associate professor of Maori studies in the University's Anthropology Department in 1986. He served as professor of Maori Studies from 1993 to 1997 and Pro-Vice Chancellor (Maori) from 1996-1997. In 2012 he was made a Distinguished Alumnus of the University.

Throughout his life Ranginui was a passionate advocate and an influential voice for Maori rights and social justice. In 2001 this was acknowledged with a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year honours list.

Roles and activities outside the academic world also occupied a large amount of Walker's time and energy over several decades. Often with the support of Dierdre, he was involved in marches and rallies drawing attention to a wide range of issues. He also organised meetings and conferences and it was from one of these events, a Young Maori Leaders Conference, that Nga Tamatoa, an activist group prominent throughout most of the 1970s, arose. He was a member of and held office on a number of boards and councils, including the Auckland District and New Zealand Maori Councils, and the Waitangi Tribunal.

Writing and media comment, drawing on his activist and academic background were other significant pursuits. He wrote several books on political and historical issues, produced biographies of carver, Paki Harrison, and politician, Sir Apirana Ngata, and contributed much comment via print, radio and television.