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Te Koparapara: An Introduction to the Maori World

Te Koparapara offers an accessible and authoritative introduction to Maori history, culture, and society for students and general readers alike. Its title, inspired by the bellbird (koparapara), reflects the book’s purpose: “Ka rite te kopara e ko nei i te ata — like a bellbird singing at dawn,” allowing the Maori world to speak for itself.

Across 21 illustrated chapters, leading scholars explore:

Maori culture – including tikanga on and off the marae, and key rituals such as powhiri and tangihanga.

Maori history – from the beginnings of the world and waka migrations to Maori protest and urbanisation in the twentieth century.

Contemporary Maori society – addressing 21st-century issues such as education, health, political economy, and identity.

Each chapter combines descriptive narrative with references to te reo Maori, the wider Pacific, and includes images, maps, diagrams, songs, and sayings.

Te Koparapara is an essential guide to understanding the past, present, and future of the Maori world.

“Ko te manu kai i te miro nona te ngahere, ko te manu kai i te matauranga nona te ao.”
“The bird that feasts on miro tree berries belongs to the bush; the bird that feasts on knowledge belongs to the world.”

Edited by: Michael Reilly, Suzanne Duncan, Gianna Leoni, Lachy Paterson, Lyn Carter, Matiu Ratima, and Poia Rewi
Format: Soft Cover
ISBN: 9781869408671

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