Rangi Topeora was a chieftainess of Ngàti Toa. She could trace her direct descent from Hoturoa, the chief of the Tainui canoe, one of the great fleet which, according to tradition, brought the main wave of Màori migration to New Zealand. Imperious and passionate, she even condemned to death a woman who had attracted the attentions of her spouse. She was involved in acts both of war and peace, notably in mediation over disputed land on Kàpiti Island, and was one of the few women of her time to speak formally on the marae.

As a leading figure within her tribe, Rangi Topeora was one of about five women who signed the Treaty of Waitangi, appending her mark on 14 May 1840 at Kàpiti. In this same year, she was baptised by Bishop Selwyn, and, true to her pride, selected the name of Queen Victoria for herself, and of Albert for her husband. A commanding figure, she frequently visited villages around Wellington Harbour, either journeying by her great canoe or trudging over the rugged hill tracks. Rangi Topeora was especially noted for her musical compositions, which ranged from love songs of great sweetness to songs expressing vigorous condemnation of foes.