Wiremu Pere : the life and times of a Māori leader, 1837-1915

Wiremu Pere was a renowned leader of his Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki tribes, who went on in 1884 to become one of the first Maori in Parliament. This award-winning biography examines Wi Pere the man against the social background that formed his character. The main content describes Wi Pere's eventful life and those who influenced him. Other parts trace his whakapapa back to ancient rangatira lines, and profile the Wi Pere Trust, one of his legacies that continues to prosper and grow today. Wiremu Pere will appeal to all those who are students of Maori and political history as well as readers interested in the colourful life of this complex figure. Wiremu Pere lived from 1837 to 1915, leading his tribes of Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki through some of the most turbulent chapters of New Zealand history. He stood resolute against colonialism and entered parliament to stand up for his East Coast people, yet was astute in his business dealings and was compromised in the views of many Pakeha and Maori. This handsome book is a rare biography of a 19th century Maori leader, plentifully illustrated with photographs and maps, and contains extended whakapapa/genealogy charts for Wi Pere whanau. The book sets out the many aspects of Wi Pere's life and times with a particular focus on his family life, parliamentary career and contributions to the East Coast. "Wiremu Pere (Wi Pere) lived from 1837 to 1915, leading his tribes of Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki through some of the most turbulent chapters of New Zealand history. He stood resolute against colonialism and entered parliament to stand up for his East Coast people, yet was astute in his business dealings and was compromised in the views of many Pakeha and Maori. This handsome book, illustrated with numerous photographs, whakapapa and maps, sets out the many sides Wi Pere's life and times with a particular focus on his family life, parliamentary career and contributions to the East Coast."--Publisher's description "Wiremu Pere (Wi Pere) lived from 1837 to 1915, leading his tribes of Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki through some of the most turbulent chapters of New Zealand history. He stood resolute against colonialism and entered parliament to stand up for his East Coast people, yet was astute in his business dealings and was compromised in the views of many Pakeha and Maori. This handsome book, illustrated with numerous photographs, whakapapa and maps, sets out the many sides Wi Pere's life and times with a particular focus on his family life, parliamentary career and contributions to the East Coast."--Résumé de l'éditeur