Aotearoa: A History of New Zealand

Story by Olive Baldwin Illustrations by Sheila Natusch

From the inside front flap: "By weaving into history fascinating fables, legends and stories, Olive Baldwin presents a convincing and delightful story of the founding and settlement of New Zealand which will appeal to both young and old. AOTEAROA is a history of New Zealand from pre-European times to the present day. The delightful illustrations by Sheila Natusch capture the atmosphere and feeling of New Zealand and make AOTEAROA a book to be treasured."

National Library of NZ Entry

As part of a series exploring non-fiction books on New Zealand history, I’m diving into my collection to highlight living books suitable for children. Having shared The Story of New Zealand in my first post, I now turn to Aotearoa: A History of New Zealand, the second in this journey.

This charming storybook traces the early history of New Zealand, crafted specifically to be read aloud to young children. It begins with vibrant Māori legends—Maui fishing the islands from the sea, followed by the arrival of birds to populate the land. The narrative introduces early inhabitants, from mysterious dog-faced giants (perhaps seals?) to the fair-skinned patupaiarehe and towering giants of lore. It then recounts the voyages of Kupe the explorer and the Great Migration, before transitioning to European contact, starting with the Spaniard Juan Fernandez, followed by Abel Tasman, and later Captain James Cook (complete with the arrival of pigs on the mainland). The final ten pages offer a brisk overview of European settlement, rising tensions between Māori and Europeans, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, and a brief reflection on contemporary New Zealand society as of the book’s 1975 publication.

The book shines in its early pages, with well-written prose that captures the imagination and a language level perfectly pitched for young listeners. The illustrations—alternating between black-and-white and color on each page—enhance the storytelling. However, the narrative stumbles as it shifts to the settlement period. The complex interplay of Māori-European relations and historical events feels oversimplified, cramming too many details into a format too slight to bear their weight.

While Aotearoa has its merits, I’d recommend an alternative approach for young readers: start with a dedicated collection of Māori myths and legends to spark wonder, then, when children are older, pair it with a more robust history book to explore New Zealand’s past in greater depth. This book, though lovely in parts, struggles to bridge the two effectively.

Content considerations: none

Copies are available online. Book Express is an excellent New Zealand online secondhand retailer. Otherwise, check the link below.

Purchase this book (AbeBooks)