Making peoples : a history of the New Zealanders : from Polynesian settlement to the end of the nineteenth century

James Belich is the best 'big picture' historian New Zealand has produced, in my opinion. He provides a great overview of New Zealand's history, and weaves a story and interpretation which, although not everyone will agree with it, offers a lense through which to understand our past. The story of immigration and colonisation by Maori and European is the central theme of this volume. It is a pleasure to read.

I read this book as we were considering and then actually planning our move from the US to New Zealand. New Zealand is a country in which this history continues to play a formative role in government, social commentary, and personal interactions.