Information on Maata Mahupuku

Maata Mahupuku, a figure of historical and literary significance in New Zealand, is best known for her relationship with the renowned writer Katherine Mansfield. Born on April 10, 1890, in Greytown, Wairarapa, Maata whakapapas to Ngāti Kahungunu.

Her early life was marked by significant familial changes and tragedies. Her father, Richard (Tiki) William Mahupuku, a sheep farmer, passed away in 1893, when Maata was just three years old. Her mother, Emily Sexton, remarried Nathaniel Grace, another sheep farmer, and Maata later took on the name Martha Grace following her mother's marriage. This period of her life saw her attending various schools, including Miss Swainson's Fitzherbert Terrace School in Wellington, where she met Kathleen Beauchamp, who would later become known as Katherine Mansfield.

Maata's relationship with Mansfield began while both were students in Wellington and continued as they met in London and corresponded. Maata’s friendship and romantic involvement with Mansfield was a subject of concern for their teachers and Mansfield's parents.

While in Paris for finishing school, Maata developed her talents, including fluency in French and singing. Her life took a dramatic turn in 1906 when it was discovered that funds held in trust for her had been embezzled by a lawyer. Despite this, she managed to retain ownership of considerable land, marking her as a wealthy woman. Her time in Europe included a stint in London, where she and Mansfield decided to keep diaries for each other, which later influenced Mansfield's literary work.

Upon her return to New Zealand, Maata met George McGregor, whom she married in 1907. The couple had several children, and during this period, Maata was an enthusiastic supporter of Liberal politics. However, her marriage to McGregor ended in 1914, and she later married Thomas Asher. The second marriage also ended in divorce in 1932.

Mansfield's writings provide a lens into her relationship with Maata. Despite Mansfield's evident intense feelings, Maata's focus at the time had shifted to her life in New Zealand. Mansfield's literary works, including the unfinished novel "Maata" and the story "Kezia and Tui," were influenced by her recollections of her friendship with Maata.

In her later years, Maata led a lavish lifestyle, known for her love of elegant clothing, jazz, and parties. Her personality was described as warm, hospitable, and generous. She passed away in Palmerston North of heart disease on January 15, 1952, and was buried in the private burial ground of the Mahupuku family at Kehemane, beyond Martinborough.

Further information can be found at:

• teara.govt.nz
• wikipedia.org