"This collection of interesting facts about New Zealand, "The Dear Old Maori Land," also the legendary accounts and descriptions of Maori Life and Customs, and the mysterious migration of the intrepid Polynesian Vikings across the uncharted seas of the Pacific Ocean, have been gathered from various sources and put together with the earnest desire of making these "Fortunate Isles" more widely and better known."

This critical examination of Maoriland literature argues against the former glib dismissals of the period and focuses instead on the era’s importance in the birth of a distinct New Zealand style of writing. By connecting the literature and other cultural forms of Maoriland to the larger realms of empire and contemporary criticism, this study explores the roots of the country’s modern feminism, progressive social legislation, and bicultural relations.

Exploring an issue of international significance, this collection of essays addresses the reconciliation of the pre-existing, inherent rights of indigenous peoples with those held and asserted by the state. Focusing upon the Maori tribes of New Zealand, topics include the historical origins of the Ngati Apa decision--one of the most controversial modern decisions on Maori rights--how the Foreshore and Seabed Act (FSA) compares with schemes created in other countries with indigenous inhabitants, how the FSA has led to major changes in the country's political landscape, and how it stacks up against international human rights and environmental laws. This detailed study also explores New Zealand's legislation and how it has undermined the rights of Maori tribes, tipping the reconciliation process too far in favor of the state.

Drawn from Maori & European sources.

Studying Crown Maori land policy and practice in the period 1869–1929, from the establishment of the Native Land Court power until the cessation of large-scale Crown purchasing by Gordon Coates, this investigation chronicles the bleak and grim tidal wave of Crown purchasing that dominated the Maori people under very difficult circumstances. While recognizing that the government purchasing of Maori land was in its own way driven by genuine, if blinkered, idealism, this work's deep research on land purchasing policy gives renewed insight on the significant politicians of the era, such as Sir Donald McLean, John Balance, and John McKenzie who were strong advocates of expanded and state-controlled land purchasing.

Work started as project to study land use potential of remaining Maori freehold land and brings together scattered research, study and discussion to provide an overview of issues; Maori perceptions of land; historical look at impact of British colonisation on present day use of Maori land; developments since colonisation; Maori economic development in nineteenth century; current problems preventing effective and efficient use of Maori freehold land in ways to suit landowners' needs; past responses, results of responses and possible solutions to Maori land use in ways that satisfy Maori social, cultural, spiritual and economic preferences.