Michael King: Moriori

Penguin

$39.95

When this book was first published in 1989 it caused a sensation, revealing the Moriori as they had not been seen before and elevating them from the myths that had plagued them since colonisation by Taranaki Maori in 1835, and later by Europeans.

In typical King style, it put the record straight with authoritative research, presented in his usual sparkling and compelling style.

In this new edition he has added a catch-up section on events since first publication, mainly to do with the Moriori claim argued before the Waitangi Tribunal in 1994.

As King told the Herald, the fact that nothing has happened since the claim was lodged is an indication that the Chatham Islands are still at the bottom of the mainland's agenda.

"There are not enough of them to make a noise," he says.