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Maori Wood Carving of the Taranaki Region is a celebration of whakairo rakau (wood carving) from the region known to Maori as Te Tai Hauauru -- the 'western district' of Taranaki, between the Awakino and Whenuakura rivers. These are the best historical works housed in New Zealand museums from carvers of Nga Ruahine, Ngati Haua, Ngati Maniapoto, Ngati Maru, Ngati Mutunga, Nga Rauru, Ngati Ruanui, Ngati Tama, Taranaki and Te Atiawa. Beginning with a discussion of the regional style and early records of wood carving in Taranaki, the book catalogues the 88 major surviving works from the seventeenth century onwards. These are divided into five categories -- architectural, watercraft, subsistence, ritual and weaponry. Consideration is also given to known tohunga whakairo, and to three leading wood carvers of the present day. With plentiful colour and black-and-white illustrations, Maori Wood Carving of the Taranaki Region provides a valuable record of a rich and varied art form. ... Read more

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This is a brief but fascinating study of European theories about where the Maori people came from, how they reached New Zealand and how they lived when they arrived. Some of these theories now seem bizarre but others hardened into myths that became accepted truths. This is an illuminating, sometimes amusing, account of the making of myths. ... Read more

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A new release of this classic collection, published in 1975 and back in print for the first time. Conflict and Compromise represents a landmark in considering race relations in New Zealand just prior to the current Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. Contributions by eight leading academics, including Michael Jackson, Gilda Misur and Ranginui Walker are brought together by the distinguished leader of Ngati Whatua, Sir Hugh Kawharu, to provide case studies of conflicts and compromises in relations between Maori and Pakeha. Topics include literacy in the nineteenth century, Maori prophet movements, aspects of early development, Maori work behaviour, Maori religion in the city suburbs, and race relations in timber towns. This edition contains a new preface by Sir Hugh and a new cover ... Read more

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Edited by bestselling author of Whale Rider, Witi Ihimaera, Mataora is a major publication of contemporary Maori art and has huge significance in the art world. It is a book whose contents, form, purpose and spirit have been determined by many of the artists whose work it features. Over 150 full colour illustrations and the words of the artists themselves reveal what Maori artists want to show us of their art. Over four years in production and with the contributions of more than forty artists and writers, Mataora is the most comprehensive artistic, cultural and political statement yet about the state of Maori art. Artists include carvers like Tuti Tukaokao; weavers like Aromea Tahiwi, Roma Potiki and Jacqueline Fraser; landscape artists and sculptors such as Darcy Nicholas, Arnold Wilson, Fred Graham, Emare Karaka, Robyn Kahukiwa and Michael Parekowhai; artists working in clay like Baye Riddell and Paerua Corneal. A veritable Who's Who of contemporary Maori artists working in Aotearoa. This is Mataora.Through brilliant artwork and the perceptive words of Robert Jahnke, the contributors to Mataora weave a story as old as Maori culture itself.It is the enthralling story of Maori art. ... Read more

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“Agents Of Autonomy is an important study of thepolitical struggle of Maori to control their own world throughout thelater 19th century … It should convince doubters that Maori leadersthemselves devoted herculean energies in efforts to lead their peopleand sustain their mana, demonstrating along the way sophisticatedpolitical skills.” -- Angela Ballara, New Zealand Books

Agents of Autonomy explores “… what might have been possibleunder a less greedy and domineering colonisation, and what might yetbe possible if fresh efforts were to be made at seriousdevolution.” -- Alan Ward, Emeritus Professor of History,University of Newcastle, NSW ... Read more

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"Why should anyone outside New Zealand be interested in Maori history? Because it is rich in documents that recapitulate five hundred years of European imperial expansion and the responses to it by indigenous peoples. British humanitarians tried to avoid in New Zealand the tragic mistakes the Crown made in Australia, where aboriginal tribes were nearly exterminated in some cases and severely marginalized in others."--BOOK JACKET. "The Maori "history of struggle" is unique only in its relative success. The British enterprise of colonization and Christianization stimulated the formation of Maori renewal movements to hold fast to their threatened land. The study of these movements elucidates how human beings in general use the sacred to bridge the abyss between old and new worlds during the trauma of invasion and why people turn to religion as a paramount means of salvation from despair."--BOOK JACKET. ... Read more

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Like Them That Dream tells of the early interaction between Maori and missionary, outlining the background of the Christian mission in New Zealand. After examining the cultural reasons why Maori often chose to identify with the Israelites of ancient times, many distinctive Maori responses to Christianity ? including the formation of such religious movements as Pai Marire, the Parihaka Movement, Ringatu and Ratana ? are discussed in further detail.Like Them That Dream was first published in 1985. This reprint of the revised edition incorporates further research and additional photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Jehovah Rather Than Jesus
Perhaps I am like most people and just assumed that the Christian impact on Maori people was fairly straight forward and almost inevitable. Bronwyn Elsmore's "Like Them That Dream: The Maori and the Old Testament" goes a long way to dispel that myth and also put Maori response into a logical and almost unsurprising context.

Elsmore deals with the historical setting of Maori "Israelite" movements, suggesting that they were a reasonable and understandable response to the situation and culture of the Maori, (ironically supplied the tools to reach divergent conclusions to the ones the Missionaries hoped by the missionaries themselves). This historical setting covers a large range of aspects, from Maori culture and European culture, the misunderstandings of between them and a whole range of other issues. Of course, the issue of land is never far away.

The movements that arose througout the 19th century are many, though Elsmore chooses some of the more well known, as well as some that were less well known. The Parihaka Movement, the Ratana Church, (still going now), Pai Marire, Ringatu and a range of others are all covered in pretty basic detail. The lives of the respective prophets are aslo covered in a basic way, as well.

The book is exceptionally interesting and provides a good glossary of Maori terms for those not familiar with that language, along with a good bibliography for those wanting more detail.

The one point is that the binding was a bit rough on the copy I read, and that was a bit of a let down. However, the binding has held together. It was just a place where the glue had formed a large lump near the spine.

In terms of content, this is an excellent book that has fueled my own interest in early Maori church history and the movements that it spawned. A great read and very much reccommended! ... Read more

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This book is the first to analyze Native New Zealand carving styles by tribal area.Illustrated throughout with drawings and photographs of the best examples of this fascinating art form, the book discusses the mythological context and symbolism in Maori art and descrives in detail the carving styles distinctive to each tribe. ... Read more

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Until 1939 the Maori people remained an almost wholly rural community, but during and after the second world war increasing numbers of them migrated in search of work to the cities, and urban groups of Maori were established. This development has significantly affected relationships, both between Maori and Europeans, and within the Maori people as a whole. The importance of Dr Metge's book lies in its presentation of a carefully documentd comparative study of two Maori communities, one in a traditional rural area and the other in Aukland, New Zealand's largest industrial centre. Housing and domestic organization, marriage patterns, kinship structure, voluntary associations and leadership in both types of community are discussed. The author's survey and conclusions make a valuable practical contribution to Maori social studies, and also have a bearing on the world-wide problem of the urbanisation of cultural minorities. ... Read more

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A comprehensive study of the Maori in New Zealand, this book covers Maori history and culture, language and art and includes chapters on the following:
· Basic concepts in Maori culture
· Land
· Kinship
· Education
· Association
· Leadership & social control
· The Marae
· Hui
· Maori and Pakeha
· Maori spelling and pronunciation
There is an extensive glossary, bibliography and index.
First published in 1967. This edition reprints the revised edition of 1976.
... Read more