Percy Murphy

Percival George Marunui Murphy (6 March 1924 – 3 May 2009) was a New Zealand businessman and local politician, notable for being the first Māori to hold the position of mayor in New Zealand.

Percy Murphy
Mayor of Murupara
In office 1960–1969
Personal details
Born	(1924-03-06)6 March 1924 Whenuapai, New Zealand
Died	3 May 2009(2009-05-03) (aged 85) Rotorua, New Zealand
Awards	War Medal 1939–1945 New Zealand War Service Medal
Military service
Allegiance	New Zealand
Branch/service	Army
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	Private
Unit	28th Māori Battalion

Alongside three of his brothers he served in the Second World War. He was in the 28th Māori Battalion.^[1]

Following the war he was a businessman and community leader; he was on the Murupara Borough Council and then served as mayor of Murupara for three terms 1960 to 1969.^[1]

Following his retirement from politics, he remained active in the affairs of his iwi Ngāti Manawa and his marae Rangitahi. He died in Rotorua.^[2]