Discover a significant piece of New Zealand history with 'The Ngai Tahu Deeds: A Window on New Zealand History' by Harry C. Evison. This comprehensive 320-page volume, published by Canterbury University Press, delves into the colonial history of New Zealand, focusing on the ten Ngai Tahu deeds through which the Crown acquired M?ori title to the southern half of New Zealand between 1844 and 1864. This book is a crucial resource for anyone interested in M?ori rights, historical land treaties, and the social fabric of New Zealand's past.

The Ngai Tahu Deeds offers a unique perspective through handsome color reproductions of the original deeds and their plans, presented here for the first time. Evison spent extensive time in the Crown deeds archive, compiling transcripts and insightful commentaries that encourage readers to critically evaluate these essential historical documents. This book includes sixteen chapters that articulate a fresh narrative surrounding key figures and events from this period, presented in the award-winning, accessible style that Evison is celebrated for.

Gain insights into critical topics such as M?ori aboriginal title, the implications of the Treaty of Waitangi, the Wakefield scheme, and the M?ori policies of Governor Grey, all of which challenge widely-held notions of New Zealand's history. The narratives are enriched with original manuscripts from private letters, Native Land Court minutes, and royal commission testimonies, allowing the M?ori voice to be heard alongside official perspectives. 'The Ngai Tahu Deeds' is not just a book—it's a manifesto for historical inquiry, demonstrating the value of primary sources in uncovering truths about the past.

Today, enhance your understanding of New Zealand's complex heritage with this essential historical text, which is available in stock in NZ—no unexpected import charges, customs duties, or taxes. Plus, we are happy to combine shipping for your convenience.

CONDITION: Brand New

Pages: 320

Author: Harry C. Evison Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Publication Date: 15-03-2006

Harry Evison re-examines New Zealand colonial history in the light of a number of original documents, particularly the ten Ngai Tahu deeds by which the Crown acquired Maori title to the southern half of New Zealand from 1844 to 1864.

A unique feature of the book is its handsome colour reproductions of these deeds and their plans, published here for the first time.

During intensive research in the Crown deeds archive, the author compiled transcripts and commentaries on the Ngai Tahu deeds and associated documents, which are included here to encourage readers to examine the images and make their own conclusions.

Sixteen chapters of text provide a fresh account of the period and the key people involved. They are written in the uncluttered style that won the author the 1994 New Zealand Book Award for Non-fiction for Te Wai Pounamu: The Greenstone Island.

Chapters on Maori aboriginal title and the impact of the Treaty of Waitangi and the Wakefield scheme, and the Maori policies of Governor Grey, challenge some popular assumptions about New Zealand history.

Besides the deeds documents, the author draws on original manuscripts such as private and official letters and journals, Native Land Court minutes, and royal commission testimonies. Thus the Maori voice is heard alongside the official voice.

The Ngai Tahu Deeds is intended as a manifesto for the scientific method, demonstrating the use of original primary sources to find out what probably happened in history

First published March 2006.
320 pages
290 x 210 mm

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.