Māori Life: A Century in New Zealand Society By Hare Moriki Waa Hoterene

Maori Life: A Century in New Zealand Society is a book that captures the essence of a bygone era, seen through the eyes of a man who lived it. Reverend Charles Brown Shortland, born Hare Moriki Waa Hoterene, invites the reader on a journey into a world where tradition and change, hardship and community, and the legacy of his ancestors intertwine. This memoir begins with a powerful proverb: “He kokonga whare e kitea ana; he kokonga ngakau e kore e kitea” (“Can see the corners of a house; can’t see the corners of a heart”). This phrase sets the stage for a narrative that goes beyond historical facts, delving into the deep spiritual and cultural heart of a man and his people. Writing for his children and grandchildren, Charles documents his life with a sense of duty, reflecting the vital role of the historian and genealogist in preserving heritage. Born in 1932, during the "Great Slump," Charles's early life in Matawaia was shaped by the challenges of the time and the enduring strength of his Ngāti Hine community. He chronicles a life of self-sufficiency, where families worked together to farm the land, traditional remedies were a way of life, and the marae (meeting ground) was the heart of all social and tribal life. The book provides a detailed and personal account of customs and practices that have since faded, such as tomo wahine (matchmaking) and the communal po whakamoemoe (matching night) after a funeral. As a man of two names, Charles Brown Shortland embodies the complexities of his heritage. He is a direct descendant of the legendary chief Kawiti and other powerful Ngāti Hine leaders. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience of Māori culture and the unwavering commitment to faith, family, and community, even as the world around him changed. It is a heartfelt tribute to the past, a guide for the future, and a celebration of a legacy that he hopes will never fade.