Maori folk-tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand

"Maori Folk-Tales of the Port Hills, Canterbury, New Zealand" by James Cowan is a collection of legends and historical narratives that highlights the Maori cultural heritage linked to the Port Hills region. Written in the early 20th century, this work intertwines picturesque descriptions of the Canterbury landscape with traditional Maori folklore, offering a unique glimpse into the spirituality and historical depth of the area's indigenous tribes. The book centers around various local figures, particularly focusing on the narrator, Hone Taare Tikao, whose profound knowledge serves as a bridge between the past and present. The opening of the book introduces the author's aim to blend geological history with Maori legends, commencing with a detailed description of the Port Hills and their impressive volcanic features. Cowan emphasizes the significance of the landscapes formed through ancient volcanic activity while establishing connections to Maori myths and legends surrounding these lands. The narrative also pays homage to the contributions of notable local figures and the importance of reclaiming indigenous narratives, effectively setting the tone for the rich tapestry of tales exploring the intersection of history, nature, and culture that follows in the subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Cowan was a New Zealand non-fiction author, noted for his books on colonial history and Māori ethnography. A fluent Māori speaker, he interviewed many veterans of the New Zealand Wars. His book The New Zealand Wars: A History of the Māori Campaigns and the Pioneering Period (1922–23) is his best known work.