Sidney Moko Mead: key obituary facts
Is Sidney Moko Mead dead? Yes. Sidney Moko Mead died on May 29, 2026, at age 99.
Cause of death: Sidney Moko Mead's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Sidney Moko Mead known for?
He was known as New Zealand anthropologist, historian, artist, teacher, writer and prominent Māori leader.
More about Sidney Moko Mead
Born: 8 January 1927.
Place of birth: Wairoa.
Gender: male.
Occupation: anthropologist, historian, writer.
Nationality: New Zealand.
Education: University of Auckland, Southern Illinois University, Te Aute College.
Employer: Victoria University of Wellington, Australian National University.
Notable work: Te Maori: Maori art from New Zealand Collections.
Awards: Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, Fellow of the Royal Society Te Apārangi, Exemplary/Supreme Award of the Te Waka Toi Awards.
Spouse: June Te Rina Walker-Mead.
Children: Linda Tuhiwai Smith.
Also known as: Sid Mead, Sir Sidney Hirini Moko Mead, S M Mead, SM Mead, Hirini Moko Mead, Sir Sidney (Hirini) Moko Haerewa Mead, Hirini Moko Haerewa Mead, Hirini M. Mead.
Sidney Moko Mead, a New Zealand Māori anthropologist and historian, died on May 29, 2026.
He was 99. Born in Wairoa on January 8, 1927, Mead was also known as Sir Sidney Hirini Moko Haerewa Mead and by the shorter name Sid Mead.
His career extended beyond anthropology and history to include work as an artist, teacher, writer and prominent Māori leader. He taught in schools before later teaching anthropology at universities, and his papers and books included Te Maori: Maori art from New Zealand Collections, Art of Maori Carving, Maori-Pakeha Relationships and Finding a Pathway to the Future. Mead was educated at the University of Auckland, Southern Illinois University and Te Aute College, and he taught at Victoria University of Wellington and the Australian National University. He was married to June Te Rina Walker-Mead and was the father of Linda Tuhiwai Smith.
Sidney Moko Mead, 99, New Zealand Māori anthropologist and historian. (death announced on this date)