The Atlas of the New Zealand Wars by Derek Leask

Thirty years in the making, The Atlas of the New Zealand Wars is an extraordinary labour of love, which includes five decades of maps and plans from 1834 to 1884 that bring these decades of our early history to life. Split into two volumes, this first volume covers the years to 1864.

This handsome hardback is stunning, and the maps are a beautiful treasure that add a fantastic visual dimension to this carefully considered and crafted first volume. Derek Leask’s well-written text and the extraordinary visuals create a must-read book for anyone interested in Aotearoa New Zealand’s early history.

The author aimed to throw new light on fifty years of conflict from 1834 to 1884, and Derek most definitely succeeds in this aim. He has created a lively and fresh book that will prompt discussion. The Atlas of the New Zealand Wars begins with the skirmishes off the Taranaki coast and at the Chathams. From there, it goes from the Bay of Islands towards Hokianga and shows Te Rauparaha's influence from Kapiti to Port Nicholson and also across Cook Strait to Wairua. This volume concludes with the war in Waitara in Taranaki. What brings the book to life is that, thanks to the maps and Derek’s decades of research, the people and places come fully alive in a way that allows the reader to better understand the conflicts and their consequences and how they have shaped our nation since.

Reading this book was an incredible, immersive experience. It was like visiting a dozen museums and art galleries, all from the comfort of my home, in one beautifully presented book. The research in The Atlas of the New Zealand Wars is exceptionally well done, and Derek has carefully curated the material with his publisher to create a compelling and highly readable book. If nothing else, look at a copy to see the incredible maps – they are truly works of art. The Atlas of the New Zealand Wars is a taonga for now and future generations.

Derek is working hard on the next book, and I can’t wait to read Volume 2.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Auckland University Press