Map showing movements of
Te Kooti and his Whanganui and Ngāti Porou pursuers.
Latest Book
TE KOOTI’S LAST FORAY describes events in March 1870 when Te Kooti abducted 218 Whakatōhea people, and his pursuit by Whanganui and Ngāti Porou contingents solely under command of Māori officers.
Te Kooti’s supporters were defeated and dispersed and the 218 were rescued but Te Kooti escaped. Ironically, decades later many of the descendants of those abducted adopted Te Kooti’s Ringatū religion.
Previous histories of the New Zealand Wars have either overlooked the events that are retold in Te Kooti’s Last Foray, or have got them wrong by relying on questionable accounts by Lieutenant Thomas Porter. This book corrects a myth that credited Ngāti Porou with the success rather than Whanganui.
‘The following that Te Kooti sought and failed to achieve by abduction, coercion and aggressive war in 1870, he “won” in the long run by spiritual appeal.’
This is a book based on walking the ground, not solely on written records. Over many years Ron Crosby has tramped the Urewera forests to retrace the steps of Te Kooti and his pursuers. That legwork deeply informs Te Kooti’s Last Foray, and enables pinpoint location of where events took place — including Waipuna pā, a site largely forgotten for 150 years.
The Forgotten Wars
THE FORGOTTEN WARS is an account of the era from about 1818 to 1845 when the effects of the musket impacted in devastating form throughout Aotearoa. Every part of the country was affected at some time or other by powerful, wide-ranging musket- armed taua (war parties). In addition to the heavy casualties inflicted by the musket, widespread temporary and permanent migrations and depopulation occurred.
‘With the arrival of muskets en masse, suddenly one side had unstoppable power.The possession of that power enabled taua to be far more wide-reaching, and far more devastating in their impacts.’
The Forgotten Wars is an engaging account of New Zealand history. Drawing on his seminal The Musket Wars, this concise work breaks the wars down by region and tribe, with stunningly detailed maps and illustrations that will help to ensure these epochal conflicts are no longer forgotten. This book has been written not only as a Teaching Resource for use in schools, but as an account of New Zealands history to be enjoyed by all.
REVIEWS OF OTHER RON CROSBY TITLES
'The Musket Wars must rate as one of the most accessible and well presented treatments of New Zealand history currently available.' Sir Tipene O'Regan, Dominion
'One of the must-reads of 1999.' Iain Sharp, Sunday Star-Times
''A necessary addition to all collections of New Zealand history.' Diana Masters, Waikato Daily Times
''Crosby's book is both intriguing and absorbing to the point of brilliance and gives new insights into both the ability of the Maori to adapt quickly and their impressive skills of innovation.' Jim Hunter, The Southland Times
''It represents an important compilation of material about a crucial period of New Zealand history which is often overlooked, yet which is of huge importance to Treaty of Waitangi claims.' Jim Eagles, Hawke's Bay Today