Edited by Jared Davidson. Historical Essay by Vincent O’Malley. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2023. (NZD 18). Reviewed by Shona Lowson

This book includes the text of “He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni / The Declaration of Independence of New Zealand”, edited by archivist and author Jared Davidson and with an accompanying essay by historian Vincent O’Malley.

When the first Māori arrived in Aotearoa from Hawaiki in the 1640s they adapted to their new land with its different environment and climate maintaining strong ties with hapū and whānau. Then, in the 1800s, a new challenge arrived: the missionaries and settlers with their different culture and religion. During this period of change and challenge, the Declaration was signed by 52 rangatira between 1835 and 1839.

At times I found this book difficult because I was new to this part of our history. And I don’t know the areas of Northland concerned, or the iwi and hapū there, so I struggled to build a picture in my mind of the action. I would have found a map and glossary helpful.

I learned a great deal from this short book. In particular, I found reading of the lives of the chiefs who signed intriguing and through their stories became captivated by the rest of the history. Introducing He Whakaputanga is certainly worth reading, especially with our current government changes affecting Māori iwi. 

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 290 March 2024: 27