Author(s): Elsmore, Bronwyn

Philosophy, Spirituality & Religion

In the period from 1820 to 1920, more than 60 prophets arose in New Zealand leading distinctive movements in response to the message brought by Christian missionaries. Although many served as vehicles for social protest, these movements were primarily attempts to affirm spiritual and racial identity in the face of rapid cultural change.

Mana From Heaven records the evolution of Maori spirituality from early contact, particularly considering the influence of the translated scriptures, and showing how and why the movements differed in distinct periods. 

Regarded as the definitive work in its field, the book analyses the principal influences in Maori religious movements during the first century of European settlement and gives vivid portrayals of the dozens of individuals who shaped the responses to the new beliefs.

 ‘A fascinating publication recording a kaleidoscope of Maori responses to the missionary’  

– Otago Daily Times

‘An important book by a remarkable woman’ 

 – Dominion Sunday-Times

‘Its comprehensiveness is unlikely to be surpassed’ 

 – New Zealand Journal of History