by Hirini Kaa. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2020. Reviewed by Danny Karatea-Goddard

These Christmas holidays my whānau returned to the Tairāwhiti (East Coast) to my wife’s paternal side, the heartland of Ngāti Porou. We visited the grave of Wellington Teachers' Training College lecturer and long life mentor, Kōkā Kēri Kaa. Her whānau section of the Rangitukia urupā (grave site) is fondly called the “Kaa Park”. It’s not only full of actors, business entrepreneurs, tribal leaders and educators, but it is the resting place of the pioneers of the Māori Anglican Church, Te Hāhi Mihinare. The Rev Hone Kaa, father of the author of this book, Hirini Kaa, is buried there.

The book outlines the Māori whakapapa, the birth and journey of Te Hāhi Mihinare, through a Ngāti Porou lens. It shows Māori Anglicans’ struggle to realise their rightful place, face and space as an indigenous colonised people in a faith-based organisation where the norm and the cultural power base was often set and determined by Pākehā men.

It discusses the politics around racism and power, the ecclesial and theological challenges, the depthing into Māori spirituality and indigeneity. Chapter headings include Founding a Tribal Church, Raising up a Bishop, the Autonomous Church and Shaping the Māori Liturgy.

Many taniwha played a role in this journey: Rev Apirana Ngata, Rev Wi Huata, Bishop Frederick Bennett, Mira Szászy, Whatarangi Winiata and Whaia McClutchie to name a few. Our own Dr Manuka Henare accompanied the kaupapa to establish a Māori Anglican Church.

I recommend Te Hāhi Mihinare as a must-read for all who have an interest in Māori spirituality, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, biculturalism and models of partnership and social justice.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 257 March: 27