French Polynesian politician
Maco Tevane, real name Marc Maamaatuaiahutapu (13 August 1937 – 21 August 2013) was a French Polynesian author, playwright, and politician who served as Minister of Culture in the government of Gaston Flosse in the 1990s. He was a defender of Polynesian culture and the Tahitian language and is considered the founding father of popular Tahitian theatre. He was the father of politician Heremoana Maamaatuaiahutapu[2] and TNTV director Mateata Maamaatuaiahutapu.[3]
Early life
After graduating from high school with a national diploma he worked as a surveyor for the land registry before working for the lands service.[4][5] After gaining a qualification in teaching Tahitian he worked as a court interpreter and then for the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française as a television host.[1]
In August 1972 he founded the Tahitian Academy.[6] In 1974 he was one of its first academic members. In 1979 he created the Artistic Conservatory of French Polynesia to promote traditional arts and culture.[7]
Political career
In October 1966 Tevane was elected as a municipal councillor in Papeete.[5] From 1972 to 1982 he worked as an advisor to the French Polynesian government.[4] He frequently represented French Polynesia at meetings of the South Pacific Commission.[8]
He stood unsuccessfully for the National Assembly in the 1978 French legislative election, losing to Gaston Flosse.[9] He ran again in the 1981 election, but gained only 3.9% of the vote.[10] Shortly before the 1982 French Polynesian legislative election he founded the Social Democrat party with Frantz Vanizette, but gained only 2.8% of the vote.[8]
In September 1991 he was appointed Minister of Social Affairs, Employment, and Labour in the government of Gaston Flosse. He later served as Minister of Culture and the Environment.[4] He resigned as a minister in August 1994 following a coalition realignment.[11]
Plays
- 1972: Te pe'ape'a hau 'ore o Papa Penu e o Mama Roro (The incessant arguments of Papa Penu and Mama Roro)
- 1974: Te huno'a mana'o 'ore hia ("The Unexpected Son-in-Law")
Honours
In 1983 he was made a Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite.[4] In 1989 he was made an officer.[4]
In June 2000 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Tahiti Nui.[12]
In November 2016 Taunoa College was renamed as Maco Tevane College in his honour.[13][14]
References