Chapter 21.4 

Louise Matangihau "Tangi" McEwan 

LOUISE MATANGIHAU McEWAN (nee Elers) was born at Te Ore Ore, Masterton on 16 October 1935 being the sixth child born to James and Whanaupani Elers (nee Himona).

She was affectionately known as Tangi.  She was named after her aunty, Louise Matangihau Maaka (nee Elers) and grandmother Elizabeth Matangihau Elers.  They too were affectionately known as Tangi.

Her mokopuna Francesca Matangihau Wotton, Milly Matangihau Louise Simpson and grandniece Matangihau Nuku proudly carry her name.

When Tangi was 2 ½ years old her mother passed away.  Her formative years were guided by her Aunt Lil in being a supportive female influence in her upbringing.

Tangi’s early schooling was spent at Te Ore Ore School and St Patrick’s in Masterton and then onto St Joseph’s Māori Girls’ College in Greenmeadows, Napier.  She attended St Joseph’s from 1949 -1952.  Tangi achieved School Certificate in 1952.  She was also awarded Home Nursing and the Red Cross Special Prize (Senior).

From St Joseph’s Tangi moved to Wellington and resided at Pendennis Hostel, 13-17 Burnell Avenue, Thorndon, Wellington.  It was here she learnt dressmaking skills.

Tangi then ventured to Dunedin to attend Teachers’ Training College.  After a year of studying home science she completed her teacher training in Christchurch then commenced teaching at Wairarapa College and Masterton Central School as a Home Economics teacher.

In 1957 Tangi landed her first permanent teaching position at Hutt Intermediate.  There she met and married Frank Wotton at age 22 and had 4 children- Laurie, Brent, Mark and Frank. After Tangi gave birth to Frank she desperately wanted a daughter.  A couple of years later an opportunity arose for her to adopt a baby girl.  Duly she did and she was named Donna Marie.

It was during this time that Tangi held the position of President of the Awakairangi branch of the Māori Women’ Welfare Leage.  She was also a committee member to establish the urban marae in Upper Hutt – Ōrongomai.

Unfortunately, Tangi endured a very volatile and abusive marriage.  In 1973 they parted ways and she was left with the unenviable task of raising her five children on her own.  She did this whilst holding down a full-time position at Bryant and May Factory in Upper Hutt.

Tangi was a tough disciplinarian and ensured her children received an education and had a good work ethic.

After only one year she was asked to supervise a production line. There she met Cyril (Mac) McEwan and they wed in 1980 when she was 45.

When the factory closed its doors Tangi and Mac bought a property at 2b Marine Parade, Otaki Beach and they enjoyed a happy retirement.  Tangi’s happiest years were spent there.   Sadly Mac passed away in June 1998

Tangi was a very skilled dressmaker and it was quite often that she would whip up a dress or shirt from no pattern for her teenage nieces who were keen to look good when going to social events.

She also learnt the art of Korowai making from her Aunt Lil and over the years she made many a Korowai and gifted them to family members and friends as well.

A few years after Mac passed, Tangi moved to a smaller residence in Otaki.  She continued whitebaiting, knitting and korowai making and enjoyed the company of whānau. 

In approximately 2010 Tangi moved back to Totara Park, Upper Hutt. Her next move was to the Gables Retirement Home in Upper Hutt in about 2014. She seemed happy there having the ability to mix in socially with the other residents.

In 2018 unfortunately Tangi’s memory started to wane and the whānau decided to place her in an aged care facility in Trentham called Summerset.  This was a huge transition for Tangi and no doubt traumatic.

Later that year on Tangi’s birthday, 16 October her beloved sister Grace sadly passed away. They both were very close and had a special relationship where they would both look out for each other and shared a lot of time together especially at Otaki beach where Grace would regularly stay during whitebait season and gathering pipis every day possible.

Early 2019 Tangi’s behaviour started to change at Summerset due to the frustration of her dementia.  She was transferred to Lower Hutt Hospital and resided there for 2 months before being placed at Bupa Aged Care facility in Whitby, Porirua. This was a great facility for Tangi and the staff were so caring and loving towards her welfare there.

She absolutely loved having family and friends visit her and many a laugh and many a tear were had especially when we had to say goodbye

Tangi was a sociable person who had a special affinity with her family members especially her nieces and nephews.

She was a much-loved Mum, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, sister and aunty.  The whānau and extended whānau all cherish and remember the special times they spent with her.

Sadly, Tangi passed away on 25 September 2020 at the age of 84.  Due to covid restrictions the whānau took Tangi to Frank and Bindy’s house where she lay before being buried at Akatarawa Cemetery in Row 1, Plot 49, Plaque 1.  She was interred on 28 September 2020.

The unveiling was held on 24 September 2022.  Following the formalities whānau were invited to celebrate her life at the Cossie Club in Upper Hutt.