Tuamaka

Book excerpt: From the point of view of a renowned anthropologist, this invaluable volume narrates the history of a multicultural New Zealand in which both Maori and non-Maori individuals cohabitate. Arguing that the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840—signed by the indigenous Maori and the British—established a foundation from which New Zealanders could grow and prosper, this account demonstrates how two cultures met, disputed, and dealt with diversity. In addition, this unique record analyzes the country's languages and myths and explores how they have influenced New Zealand society. Moving and engaging, this record covers six decades of enlightening field work.