Fanny Howie

Fanny Rose Howie (née Porter or Poata; 11 January 1868 – 20 May 1916), also known by her stage name Te Rangi Pai, was a New Zealand singer and composer.

She was born in Tokomaru Bay, New Zealand, on 11 January 1868, the daughter of Thomas William Porter and Herewaka Porourangi Potae (also known as Te Rangi-i-pāea).

[2] Howie's father was a soldier and after his prominent role in the expeditions against Te Kooti was given command of the East Coast Militia and Volunteer District in 1877.

[1] Howie and her three sisters attended Mrs Sheppard's Ladies' School in Napier and were given a musical education at home, where their parents occasionally hosted touring musicians such as Pollard's Lilliputian Opera Company.

Howie impressed these visitors with her talent and in 1891, at the age of around 23, was encouraged by visiting singer Madame Patey to obtain formal training overseas.

[1][2] In 1898, Howie went to Australia to study singing, accompanied by her husband, and toured there the following year with speakers Charles Clark and RS Smythe, before returning to New Zealand.

She also organised a colonial concert that same year at the Queen's Hall, featuring New Zealand and Australian vocalists as well as the performance of a haka by a Māori group who had come to London for the planned coronation of Edward VII.

Howie (right) and her three sisters in around 1885
Concert party including Howie (centre) and Maggie Papakura (standing, far right), in Rotorua , 6 October 1906