Tribal history chapter left out of book

The decision to exclude a chapter of tribal history from a Patumahoe history book has sparked heated debate.

Next week the Patumahoe history group will launch the book, Patumahoe History and Memories, celebrating the 150th anniversary of the country village.

However, criticism has been directed at the group after they declined Gary Wilson’s chapter covering local iwi Ngati Tamaoho and their land loss to the crown.

Wilson’s chapter, Has the Time Come?, was published online earlier this week. .

He wrote about his disappointment in the chapter not being included in the book by the group.

‘‘In doing so, they have underplayed the price that Ma¯ori have paid in forfeiting their land and future there.

‘‘And they shied away from pointing to the need for Pa¯keha¯ to understand how fortunate they have been as beneficiaries.’’

Group co-ordinator Kay Carter said the group had been working on the book for the last three years.

400 of the 600 books ordered have been sold and Carter said those who’ve read it have been impressed by the range and quality of the material.

Wilson’s chapter drew attention to Ngati Tamaoho’s loss of land and their way of life when George Grey, in 1863, began the military action to open up the Waikato for Pakeha settlement.

The exclusion of this chapter has been met with significant criticism, Carter said.

‘‘The harshest words have been in the social media where there are a unimpressed.’’

Carter said the group consulted with Ngati Tamaoho trustee members when writing the book and the decision not to run Wilson’s chapter was an editorial decision.

‘‘It’s a step too far for some, not few critics far enough for others. The positive from this experience, is that Ngati Tamaoho’s tragic past has now been highlighted.’’ Vincent O’Malley’s new book

for New Zealand which details 200 years of Tainui and Waikato history has renewed interest in New Zealand’s colonial roots, she said.

‘‘The opportunity is there now for readers of both books to develop a much stronger grasp of our Pakeha and Maori past.’’

The book will be launched this Thursday from 2-3pm at the heritage section of the Pukekohe Library.