Collision, Compromise and Conversion during the Wesleyan Hokianga Mission 1827-1855: A critical study of Hokianga Māori, missionary, and kauri me

"Early Hokianga was different. A unique blend of Ngåapuhi Måaori, kauri milling settlers, and Wesleyan missionaries. Drawing upon modern scholarly insights, Methodist historian, Gary Clover, investigates the nature of culture change and Måaori conversion from 1827 1855 during New Zealands early contact era. He narrates an absorbing tale of Måaori and Påakeha inter-relationships, colourful personalities, and their foresight and failures. He explores how Hokianga Måaori, amidst immense turmoil and change, adopted and Måaorified European technology, culture, and Christianity. Also how William White, a little known, extra ordinary Wesleyan Mission Superintendent, moved far beyond the traditional missionary mould to help retain his Mihanere chiefs tribal lands. They entrusted White with large tracts to hold in trust. At Måangungus chapel, school, farm, and sawyers pits, they learnt skills to participate in the new economy, becoming competitive against their European rivals. But Whites personality flaws and his opponents saw him dismissed in 1836. And outside forces by 1855 brought about the end of all three original Hokianga mission stations. A well researched, scholarly, and detailed analysis of culture change and Måaori conversion in a region professional historians have largely neglected."--Publisher description.