Wiremu Pere
The Life and Times of a Maori Leader, 1873-1915
Description:... "Wiremu Pere (Wi Pere) lived from 1837 to 1915, through some of the most turbulent chapters of New Zealand history. As a chief of the East Coast iwi Rongowhakaata and Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Wi Pere stood resolute against the tidal wave of change that threatened the Māori way of life. He resented the march of colonialism, and entered Parliament in 1884 seeking to protect his Eastern Māori constituents against Pakeha encroachments, land seizures and dishonouring of the Treaty of Waitangi. At the same time, Wi Pere was proactive in seizing on the potential business opportunities afforded through the coming of Pakeha settlers. This position could not but leave him compromised. In his life he was loved and hated by both Māori and Pakeha, regarded as a hero or a villain depending on whether or not one benefited from his work. His historical legacy has been ambivalent, and many of thye details of his personal circumstances have been unclear. ..."--Jacket.
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