Early Hokianga was different. A unique blend of Ngapuhi Maori, kauri milling settlers, and Wesleyan missionaries.

Drawing upon modern scholarly insights, Methodist historian, Gary Clover, investigates the nature of culture change and Maori 'conversion' from 1827-1855 during New Zealand's early contact era. He narrates an absorbing tale of Maori and Pakeha inter-relationships, colourful personalities, and their foresight and failures.

He explores how Hokianga Maori, amidst immense turmoil and change, adopted and 'Maorified' European technology, culture, and Christianity.

Also how William White, a little known, extra-ordinary Wesleyan Mission Superintendent, moved far beyond the traditional missionary mould to help retain his 'Mihanere' chiefs' tribal lands. They entrusted White with large tracts to hold in trust. At Mangungu's chapel, school, farm, and sawyers' pits, they learnt skills to participate in the new economy, becoming competitive against their European rivals.

But White's personality flaws and his opponents saw him dismissed in 1836. And outside forces by 1855 brought about the end of all three original Hokianga mission stations.

A well-researched, scholarly, and detailed analysis of culture change and Maori 'conversion' in a region professional historians have largely neglected.