Product Description

Telling the story of the once thriving economy of New Zealand's indigenous Maori tribe, this book discusses these native peoples' early struggle to preserve their culture, power, and land. In 1769, the Maori tribe had a peaceful, productive trading relationship with settlers from the West. However, by 1875, much of Maori resources and riches were confiscated by the European-established New Zealand government. This history details Maori resistance to colonization, and wars and debt as well.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7446323 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 324 pages

About the Author
Paul Monin has been researching history in the Hauraki Gulf area for many years. He completed the Waitangi Tribunal Commission on the Gulf Islands and Maori Claimaint Commission. He writes periodically for the New Zealand Herald and the Gulf News. A former academic and schoolteacher, he is now a freelance historian.

Customer Reviews

A detailed by efficient history of pre-european and colonization
Paul Monin writes few books, but they are all efficient and readable histories of the area he lives in. His history of Waiheke Island and area is one of the classic works. In this book he is very able to delve further into the history and culture of the area, the Hauraki Gulf.

His introduction points out the limitations to which he is dealing with. Firstly as a Pakeha (white) author and secondly the fact that he has not made use of the Te Reo sources, leaving that for, perhaps, a different author to use.

He chose his time span, 1769-1875 which covers the period from Cook's first sighting of New Zealand and through the Maori Wars. It includes Auckland's brief stint as the Capital of New Zealand. As it says in the blurb, this is the story of a vigorous Maori economy which during this period relentlessly transferred the wealth (usually by force or sleight of hand) to the settlers.

this has been re-released this year as simply Hauraki Contetsed, 1769-1875

I would highly recommend this to other Kiwis, especially Aucklanders, it is a highly approachable and readable account which will, I think, give you a clearer perspective of the Waitangi Tribunal and its role. Certainly if not that, it will give you a stronger sense of history.