Author(s): Debbie McCauley
In the early 1860’s people around the world were reviewing methods of warfare and improvements to how wounded soldiers from all sides were treated. Tauranga Maori were among those pondering the same ideals as notable reformers Henry Dunant and Florence Nightengale. Henare Taratoa penned a Code of Conduct prior to the Battle of Gate Pa at Pukehinahina (29 April 1864). After the battle the British were stunned, not only by their defeat, but by Maori compassion. This bilingual book tells the story of Taratoa’s Code of Conduct and the compassionate actions that resulted. Translated by Tamati Waaka. Text in English and Maori.
Debbie McCauley is a fifth-generation Pākehā New Zealander whose earliest ancestor arrived in New Zealand in 1841. Other ancestors were pioneers of the Katikati and Cambridge settlements. Her link to the New Zealand Wars is through her third great grandfather, Edward Watts Garmonsway (1809-1875). For the last ten years, Debbie has worked as a librarian at Tauranga City Library with an interest in local history and children's literature. In 2011 she wrote a comprehensive essay entitled Identity and the Battle of Gate Pa Pukehinahina (29 April 1864) which formed the basis for the Battle of Gate Pa kete. She is involved with the planned activities and education surrounding the 150th commemoration of the Battles of Gate Pā and Te Ranga in 2014. The author has lived in Gate Pā for the past 19 years, on land which was most likely confiscated after the Battle of Gate Pā in 1864. This is her second book. Sophie McCauley was born in Tauranga and has lived in Gate Pā her whole life. She is a past student of Tauranga Waldorf School and current student of Otumoetai College. Sophie has always had a passion for art, following in the footsteps of her maternal great-grandfather Lennard John George McCauley (1904-1980). In 2014 she will be studying her first year of NCEA art. Sophie plays the piano, guitar and recorder.