Two Peoples, One Land: The New Zealand Wars

Historian Matthew Wright sheds new light on the New Zealand Wars, tackling several of the theories popularised by historian James Belich head on. Wright ... views the New Zealand wars as a cultural collision a clash of language and cultural differences. Though the physical conflict ended in 1872, Wright argues the issues and forces that gave rise to the New Zealand Wars are the same issues and forces with which contemporary New Zealand continues to grapple. Wright’s examination of this defining period in our history is a comprehensive and fascinating exploration of cultural miscommunication and the impact of Maori and Pakeha society on each other.