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)