Iriaka Ràtana was of Tùwharetoa and Whanganui descent and grew up in the Ràtana religious movement and travelled extensively with its prophet founder. She married one of his sons and together they established a dairy farm which she worked herself after her husband was elected to Parliament. In 1949 her husband died, and Iriaka Ràtana contested the election and became the first Màori woman to be a member of parliament. Her political aims were to address the problems of all Màori people, especially those relating to increasing urbanisation. As a woman she had to overcome some traditional resistance among her own people, but her dignity, eloquence, and clear commitment to their well-being soon overcame any prejudice and she continued to be re-elected until her retirement in 1969.

Iriaka Ràtana was influential in securing amendments to Màori land legislation, especially seeking to encourage the settlement and development of rural blocks of land by improving access to loan finance. She assisted in negotiations to settle disputes over confiscated lands, and worked to improve relationships among the tribes. She helped to establish kindergartens and health clinics and to improve housing. She believed the Màori Women’s Welfare League and the Màori Council were vital in addressing problems, especially in health and education, caused by post-war migration to urban areas. Her work laid a secure basis of respect for other Màori women to follow her to parliament.