Author(s): Peter Shaw; Photography by Peter Hallett

Maori History, Society & Culture | Secondhand

Waitangi, the Treaty House and its environs, each year become the focus for New Zealanders' reflection about their nation's past and its future. It's Bay of Islands location has long been the subject of academic enquiry.

Now, Peter Shaw has brought together the fruits of this research in a highly readable way. He has plotted the history of this area from earliest times: the people and events recorded in Maori oral and written tradition; the first contacts between Maori and European; the establishment of the first settlements by missionaries, whalers and traders. In 1883 came James Busby, the British Resident whose simple house, pre-fabricated in Sydney has assumed such national importance.

Here on 6 February 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Government. Peter Shaw vividly describes these momentous events and traces the often precarious fortunes of the Treaty House to the present day.

Waitangi is lavishly illustrated with informative maps, paintings and rarely seen historical photographs. It includes plans of the work done by various owners and architects to this building of major historic importance. Peter Hallett completes the visual record was superb color photographs of the house and the land of Waitangi as they appear today.

VG.