"Two hundred years ago, Maori in the south of New Zealand had a lifestyle quite distinct from their northern cousins, and different experiences of contact with Europeans. This book provides an insight into those times, covering the period 1650-1850, and focusing on Maori history from Marlborough to Stewart Island." "Atholl Anderson surveys the origins and migrations of Waitaha and Kati Mamoe, and the subsequent arrival of Ngai Tahu and the establishment of their tribal authority and lifeways in the South Island. Drawing on tribal knowledge as well as early written accounts, he creates the fullest description yet of Maori in this period."--Jacket.