The Fifth Wind: New Zealand and the Legacy of a Turbulent Past

In 1840, Maori chiefs met with Queen Victoria's representatives in New Zealand and signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which handed sovereignty of their country over to the British Crown. In return, they were given certain guarantees regarding their land, forests and fisheries. There is little of New Zealand left in Maori hands nowadays, but a new political assertiveness amongst young Maoris has led them to question why their people have become a disadvantaged minority. In 1984, young militants joined with their tribal elders to march to Waitingi to demand that the New Zealand Government and Crown honour the Treaty. The author writes of his experiences accompanying the Maoris on this march, and examines the background of unrest that has generated the new turbulence in New Zealand's race relations.