The Maori and the Crown - (Contributions to the Study of World History) by Dora Alves (Hardcover)

About the Book

When early explorers and settlers arrived in New Zealand, they found the islands already populated by the Polynesian Maori people. This account details the interaction between the Maori leaders and the British Crown from first contact to New Zealand's eventual autonomy. As settlers outnumbered Maori, the struggle for land resulted in war and confiscations, and Maori loss of land and traditional lifestyle was accompanied by widespread ill health. It would be well into the twentieth century before the Crown would have to address promises made to the Maori in the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, and the resulting efforts of the Waitangi Tribunal would forever change Maori relations with the Pakeha (New Zealanders of European descent).

During recent decades, both groups have come to understand the complexity of the situation in New Zealand. The Pakeha have learned Maori sentiments regarding forests, flora, and language; and the Maori have come to realize that today's Pakeha should not be penalized by attempts at redress. The Maori have gradually acquired a larger role in dealing with their own affairs and addressing social inequalities, and recent electoral changes have resulted in a stronger Maori voice in Parliament. While serious tension remains and some Pakeha argue for one law for all, steps have been taken toward more harmonious relations.

Book Synopsis

When early explorers and settlers arrived in New Zealand, they found the islands already populated by the Polynesian Maori people. This account details the interaction between the Maori leaders and the British Crown from first contact to New Zealand's eventual autonomy. As settlers outnumbered Maori, the struggle for land resulted in war and confiscations, and Maori loss of land and traditional lifestyle was accompanied by widespread ill health. It would be well into the twentieth century before the Crown would have to address promises made to the Maori in the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, and the resulting efforts of the Waitangi Tribunal would forever change Maori relations with the Pakeha (New Zealanders of European descent).

During recent decades, both groups have come to understand the complexity of the situation in New Zealand. The Pakeha have learned Maori sentiments regarding forests, flora, and language; and the Maori have come to realize that today's Pakeha should not be penalized by attempts at redress. The Maori have gradually acquired a larger role in dealing with their own affairs and addressing social inequalities, and recent electoral changes have resulted in a stronger Maori voice in Parliament. While serious tension remains and some Pakeha argue for one law for all, steps have been taken toward more harmonious relations.

Review Quotes

"Dora Alves has done an outstanding job in her study on New Zealand's experience in redressing the grievances of its native people, The Maori and the Crown. Anyone interested or engaged in resolving the questions of indigenous peoples' grievances will find excellent guidance in this fine summary of one pace-setting nation's experience."-Ambassador (ret.) Paul Cleveland President, United States-New Zealand Council

"Dora Alves is one of only a handful of American academics to maintain an admirably consistent and constructive interest in New Zealand developments. In this study she has cast light on a complex process of adjustment and change....Her analysis is relevant to all countries seeking to reconcile the rough justice of the past with the need for true social integration in the future."-Dennis McLean Former New Zealand Ambassador to the U.S.

"In the Maori and the Crown, Dr. Alves provides a comprehensive and illuminating account of New Zealand's dealings with its indigenous Maori minority that can be read with great profit by anyone concerned with the claims of native peoples to the restoration of their traditional rights."-Evelyn Colbert Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs

.,."provides a succinct, careful and readable overview and, as such, contributes a valuable resource..."-Pacific Affairs

?...provides a succinct, careful and readable overview and, as such, contributes a valuable resource...?-Pacific Affairs

..."provides a succinct, careful and readable overview and, as such, contributes a valuable resource..."-Pacific Affairs

About the Author

DORA ALVES is Adjunct Professor at the School of Summer and Continuing Education and Center for Australian and New Zealand Studies at Georgetown University./e She was Director of Southeast Asian Strategic Studies at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University, and she recently taught graduate classes on Southeast Asia in the Department of Political Science, Waikato University, New Zealand. Dr. Alves, who has traveled and lectured widely in the Pacific region, is the author of three books and many articles on her area of specialization.