Kikia Te Poa

More about the book

Based on real events, Kikia Te Poa is the story of John Cook -- a 'Maorish' (Ngapuhi/Irish) Maori who ventures into the Anglo-South African War to prove himself and the value of his people to a changing New Zealand. Although Maori were not allowed to fight in the Boer War, many mixed blood men did and one of them was John Walter Callaway, who wrote a haka for the Kiwi troops -- Kikia Te Poa. The Boer War saw the birth of concentration camps, New Zealand's status as a warrior nation -- and also international rugby. Most importantly it saw the beginning of a rivalry between two countries that would last one hundred years - on the rugby field, and in the politics of two very different nations. Contains an insightful introduction from Greg McGee, writer of the classic play Foreskin's Lament. (4 male).