Details

Discover one of the defining moments in New Zealand history through a powerful blend of fiction, history, eyewitness accounts, poetry, and te reo Maori. Sleeps Standing by acclaimed author Witi Ihimaera, with a Maori translation by Hemi Kelly, offers a compelling Maori perspective on the Battle of Orakau, one of the final and most significant battles of the New Zealand Wars.

At the heart of the book is Ihimaera's moving novella, following 16-year-old Moetu as he experiences the three-day siege of Orakau in 1864, where around 300 Maori men, women, and children courageously defended their pa against a vastly larger Imperial force. Complementing the story are historical accounts from Maori eyewitnesses, archival images, and a full Maori translation, creating a rich and deeply personal exploration of courage, resistance, and the enduring fight to protect whenua and culture.

Key Features:

Powerful blend of historical fiction, eyewitness accounts, poetry, and history
Presents the Battle of Orakau from a Maori perspective
Includes a full te reo Maori translation by Hemi Kelly
Explores one of the defining events of the New Zealand Wars
Features archival images and historical narratives alongside the novella
Ideal for readers interested in New Zealand history, Maori history, and historical literature

Product Details:

Title: Sleeps Standing: A Story of the Battle of Orakau
Author: Witi Ihimaera
Maori Translation: Hemi Kelly
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
ISBN: 9780143773887
Publisher: RHNZ Vintage
Published: 16 April 2019
Ideal For: Adults, students, educators, and readers interested in Maori history, the New Zealand Wars, and historical fiction

Disclaimer: COLOUR VARIATION – we try to ensure images match the actual product; slight variations may occur due to device colour settings.