Tapihana Paraire Paikea


Tapihana Paraire "Dobby" Paikea, also known as Dobson, is a former New Zealand politician and Ratana who won the Northern Maori electorate for Labour in 1943. He was elected following the death of his father Paraire Karaka Paikea who had been the MP, and he held the parliamentary seat until his own death in 1963.

Early life

A foundation pupil of the Ratana Pa school, Paikea started work in the Native Affairs Ministry. He led the Ratana Morehu Brass Band, and organised the special train which took the Ratana followers from the Tai Tokerau area in the Far North to Ratana for the annual festivals.

Political career

Paikea was elected to replace his father at the 1943 general election on 24 September 1943. A by-election was to have been held on 19 June 1943, with two candidates, Paikea and Mr Samuel W. Maioha of Russell. But when the government announced a September general election, the requirement to hold a by-election was then avoided by a special Act of Parliament; the , passed on 11 June 1943.
Paikea promoted Ratana and Maori issues. His maiden speech covered the economic and social contribution of the Maori war effort, Maori cultural pride and equal treatment for Maori and Pakeha. As a Member of Parliament for the Far North and based in Auckland, Paikea had a special emphasis for Tai Tokerau land claims and the needs of Maori moving to the city.
He remained a Member of Parliament for Northern Maori until his own death on 7 January 1963.