Te Koparapara An Introduction to the Maori World

Like the clear morning song of te koparapara, the bellbird, this book allows the Maori world to speak for itself through an accessible introduction to Maori culture, history, and society from an indigenous perspective. In 21 illustrated chapters, leading scholars introduce Maori culture (including tikanga on and off the marae and key rituals like powhiri and tangihanga), Maori history (from the beginning of the world and the waka migration through to Maori protest and urbanization), and Maori society today (including 21st century issues like education, health, political economy, and identity). Chapters include a mixture of images, maps, and diagrams as well as relevant songs and sayings.

Lyn Carter is a senior lecturer at Te Tumu: School of Maori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies at the University of Otago. Suzanne Duncan is a researcher from Te Rarawa and Te Aupouri. She was a lecturer in Te Tumu before moving to Te Hiku. Lachy Paterson is an associate professor in Te Tumu with research interests in Maori-language print culture and history. Matiu Tai Ratima is the Maori Dean at King’s High School in Dunedin. He is a te reo Maori teacher and a Fulbright fellow, and his research focuses on the teaching and learning of indigenous languages with second language learners. Michael Reilly is a professor in Te Tumu whose scholarly focus is on traditional histories in Aotearoa and Mangaia in the Cook Islands. Poia Rewi is a professor in Te Tumu who is committed to Maori language revitalization.