A landmark achievement in New Zealand history, Maori Architecture charts, for the first time, the genesis and form of indigenous buildings in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores the vast array of Maori-designed structures and spaces - how they evolved over time, and how they tell the story of an ever-changing people. Throughout this captivating story, the book looks at facets of early Polynesian settlement, the influence of Christian and western technology, the buildings of religio-political movements such as Ringatu, Parihaka and Ratana, post-war urban migration, and contemporary architecture. Deidre Brown's absorbing, informed and sometimes controversial text is lavishly illustrated with over 130 photos and artworks - all providing a long-overdue and fascinating survey of an important aspect of New Zealand culture and history.

About the Author

Dr Deidre Brown is a Maori art and architectural historian of northern Ngapuhi, Ngati Kahu, Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa and Pakeha descent. Her previous books include Tai Tokerau Whakairo Rakau: Northland Maori Wood Carving (2003, winner of the Best First Book Award, Non-Fiction at the 2004 Montana New Zealand Book Awards), Introducing Maori Art (2005), Maori Arts of the Gods (2005) and Te Puna: Maori Art from Te Tai Tokerau Northland (2007, co-edited with Ngarino Ellis). She is currently Senior Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland.