Author Description

This ground-breaking book explores the emergence of Te Hahi Mihinare - the Maori Anglican Church. Anglicanism, brought to New Zealand by English missionaries in 1814, was made widely known by Maori evangelists, as iwi adapted the religion to make it their own. The ways in which Mihinare (Maori Anglicans) engaged with the settler Anglican Church in New Zealand and created their own unique Church casts light on the broader question of how Maori interacted with and transformed European culture and institutions. Te Hahi Mihinare uncovers a rich history that enhances our understanding of New Zealand's past. A cast of memorable characters, including nationally wellknown figures such as Apirana Ngata and internationally significant figures, such as Bishop Azariah from India, vividly people the pages of this fascinating book. Author Hirini Kaa describes the quest for a Maori Anglican bishop, the translation into te reo of the prayer book, and the development of a distinctive Maori Anglican ministry. In the process, Kaa uncovers a rich history that enhances our understanding of New Zealand's past.