The New Zealand Wars
The New Zealand Wars
Blurb
The story of the 19th century New Zealand Wars, a part of New Zealand’s history that many people wish they knew more about. The book describes how the wars came about, where and when they were fought, who was involved, and how they affected women and children. It explains the emergence of Kīngitanga or Māori King movement, the land confiscations and the story of Parihaka. Other chapters look at war memorials, graves and monuments, the work of the Waitangi Tribunal, how the wars have featured in New Zealand art, music and literature, and how they are being remembered today, including new ways of working towards understanding and reconciliation.
The story is told in an accessible way full of fascinating detail, eye-witness accounts, illustrations and little known facts, with lists of websites, resources and books for those who want to discover more.
The Author
- is a prolific producer of books for younger readers. See here.
Mini Review
This is a POP page.
It represents a Personal OPinion.
That opinion is the sole responsiblity of the author and not the website!
Werry's book is aimed at middle school readers. The background, covered here, is the recent pressure to have more formal acknowledgement, commemoration and education related to the wars. Its glory is the illustrations which are a superb collection. If we apply the tests of what, where and why the book answers the first two very well. Why is more problematic. The motivations of settlers, troops and the Maori resistance are covered in a cursory manner only and those of kupapa hardly at all. The idea of Maori society in transition, as a background to the war, is little apparent. That aside it is still a worthy effort. The listing of sites to visit balances the illustrated, largely settler oriented memorials. The timeline, the other sources to seek and the suggested activities are welcome. Nice to see that an index appears here as well. GL
