In 1855, the Maori world was changing. Many Maori took pat in the market economy, most had become Christian, many could read and write, some had sold land to the settler government. The government expected these trends to continue. Ultimately, Maori and European would become he iwi kotahi - one people.

The government disseminated this message to Maori in its newspaper, Te Karere Maori. There were other newspapers, most importantly the rival Maori government the Kingitanga's Te Hokioi. And while these newspapers were used for propaganda, they provided a forum, with many Maori and some Pakeha debating the issues of the day."--Back cover.