This part of the world is rarely considered when one thinks about fortifications unless one happens to live in New Zealand. However, the Maoris were quite skilled at building these sorts of structures, as much due to the way that they settled (or rather kept alive) disputes amongst themselves. This was because it was not uncommon for feuds to be long and drawn out with years of quiet punctuated by some sort of slight (perceived or real) that would start another round of conflict.

New Zealand was basically unpopulated until the end of the 1200s when the people now known as the Maoris started settling the island. At first, there was plenty of space for all, but later, as things got 'crowded', conflict arose. The way they protected themselves was by building large pallisades-type of structures and by large, I don't mean tall, but in the area of land that was encompassed. Initially, these were more than adequate for defense as the Maoris had little in the way of distance weapons, aside from spears, but with the intervention of Europeans and their guns in the 1700s, things changed. Now there was a need to build to try to overcome the advantage the British had in long range firepower, much of which had also been passed along to Maori tribes by traders. As such, the design work of these structures was altered to take guns into consideration. Eventually, the British managed to pretty well take over the place, integrating the Maoris into New Zealand society; at least for the most part.

In this book, author Ian Knight, covers the history of conflict on these islands and complete design and implementation of styles of the Maori pas (or wooden pallisades) and shows how the various works were modified or improved to meet the needs of the areas in which they were placed. While all seem to follow a basic theme, the actual way in which it was carried out was quite dependent on local geography, as often natural features were incorporated into the defensive structure. The book looks at the design and development, the principles of defense, what it was like to live in these walled structures and how they performed their task in war. Though none of the original structures are extant, the sites are still there along with many of the earthworks that were built. It is interesting to draw a parallel with these and some of the trench works built during WWI as it seems there is some influence. All of this is additionally enhanced by photos of the current sites, period art work and the illustrations of Adam Hook.

In all, a superb addition to the Fortress series and a book that I believe you will find interesting.

September 2009

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