Who was the first maori who graduated from university?

While there isn't a clear consensus on the very first Māori to graduate from a university, the most widely recognized figure is Tamehana Te Rauparaha. He graduated from the University of Otago in 1919, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

It's important to note that prior to Te Rauparaha, there were other Māori who attended university. However, their experiences were often fraught with challenges due to racism and lack of support systems. For example, Hori Kerei Taiaroa, a prominent Māori leader, enrolled at the University of Otago in 1875, but was unable to complete his studies due to financial difficulties and societal prejudice.

Therefore, while Te Rauparaha is often considered the first Māori university graduate, the journey towards higher education for Māori was a long and complex one.