Old New Zealand: Being Incidents of Native Customs and Character in the Old Times

Name: Old New Zealand: Being Incidents of Native Customs and Character in the Old Times
Author: Frederick Edward Maning

By Frederick Edward Maning

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About This Book

A European narrator who lives among Māori communities records a series of vivid sketches of pre‑contact and early contact Māori life: first encounters and the valuation of Europeans in trade, hospitality, communal feasts, wrestling and war dances, customary law such as muru and tapu, the role of tohunga and taniwha, land tenure and chiefs' authority, dispute resolution and ritual practice. The anecdotes blend humour and critical observation to present ceremonies, everyday commerce, tribal customs and the gradual social changes brought by increasing British influence, offering a mosaic of character studies and practical accounts rather than a continuous narrative.

About the Author

Frederick Edward Maning

Frederick Edward Maning was a notable figure in 19th-century New Zealand, recognized for his contributions to the understanding of Māori culture and history. His works, particularly "Old New Zealand: A Tale of the Good Old Times" and "Old New Zealand: Being Incidents of Native Customs and Character in the Old Times," provide valuable insights into the customs and character of the Māori people during the early colonial period. Maning's firsthand experiences as a settler and his interactions with Māori communities offer a unique perspective on the complexities of life in New Zealand during a time of significant change.