Maori chieftain portrait looking for good home

WHO IS THIS? Ian McLean would like to identify what is possibly a Wairarapa chieftain and return this sketch to Wairarapa, if a suitable home can be found.

Rotorua man Ian McLean believes he has a piece of Wairarapa history and he would like to return it to a good home.

Mr McLean, former MP for Tarawera, said his aunt Florence Robieson was given a picture of a Maori chieftain when she was living in Masterton, on King Edward St. His aunt later went to live in America and died there.

Her husband sent back the picture.

"We're looking for an appropriate home for it," said Mr McLean.

"There's indications it may be a local chief from Wairarapa."

The sketch was done by James Ingram McDonald (1865-1935), who is listed in Te Ara encyclopedia as an artist and photographer.

Mr McLean said it looks like the man is wearing a kiwi cloak.

"He's someone of some mana.

"Does anybody know who he is?"

"We're happy to give it to an appropriate home."

Mr McLean can be emailed on imclean@gmail.com.