Author(s): Suzanne Clark

New Zealand

Awhina's People is the moving story of a strong Maori woman living in pre-European New Zealand.

Awhina does her best to protect and nurture her family in a world where the ferocity of the warrior is highly valued. Lives are governed by the seasons; there is a time for harvesting, hunting, storytelling and celebration, and there is a time for war. Only the voice of a blind old woman is raised in protest as Awhina's people are swept up in a deadly cycle of insult and revenge. Tight bonds of kinship and the power of the ancestors are called on, as all stand together to defend their hilltop fortress. But will courage and stockade walls be enough against an enemy wise in the arts of warfare and well versed in treachery ...?

Suzanne Clark has brought to life the customs and culture of the Maori people of some 400 years ago. This is a work of fiction based on available research. We trust it will be read in the spirit in which it was written and enjoyed by all, regardless of race, creed or culture.