Pioneer of biculturalism dies aged 79

James Ritchie. Photo / Sarah Ivey

James Ritchie, one of the most influential men in Tainui tribal politics in the lead-up to the tribe's 1995 settlement, has died after a long illness. He was 79.

The Waikato University Emeritus Professor was a longtime friend of Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. He became involved in the iwi when he set up the Centre for Maori Studies and Research at the university in the early 1970s. That bought him into contact with Sir Robert Mahuta - the architect of the Raupatu Settlement - whom he employed to run the centre.

A friendship developed between the men who both saw the centre as a place to test ideas for Maori development.

Gradually Professor Ritchie became involved in the mountains of research behind the tribe's claim.

Earlier this year Professor Ritchie said that friendship with Sir Robert had its moments.

"He had a great sense of fun. Always at his best at the rugby league club - a man of the people, but difficult as hell. But our relationship developed to a deep level. He'd tell me when I was running off the rails too."

Fluent in Maori after a stint teaching in native schools around the East Cape during the 1950s, he was also a man who loved to haka.

He caused a stir when he became the first Pakeha to perform at Turangawaewae Marae, but not before an intervention by Princess Te Puea.

"A debate broke out amongst the old men. I was all tattooed and togged up ready to go. Someone came to me and said, 'I'm sorry there's trouble on the marae can you step down.'

"I took my gear off [and] sat there, Te Puea herself came and found me and said, 'You're on."'

Professor Ritchie said he was part of that small group of New Zealanders who could truly call themselves bi-cultural.

He never had any time to be afraid of not getting involved in things Maori, he said.

"One of the things I did was to walk up to the important people and say is there some way I can help you? It's been one of the most rewarding things in our life."

He was also well known for his pioneering social research into parenting, with his wife Dr Jane Ritchie.