Tribal lore aids Maori war story

A history of Maori in World War II, based on tribal records, thousands of photographs and hours of film, is being prepared.

The 2004-2006 Fellow in Maori History, Massey University lecturer Monty Soutar, will publish the history as part of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage History Group.

It is being written on behalf of the Nga Taonga a Nga Tama Toa Trust, which is made up of Maori Battalion veterans and widows.

Dr Soutar said the book would consider the continuing impact of the war on Maori society.

He will also publish a second history about the relationship between Ngati Porou, the Crown and the church in the 19th century.

- NZPA