Weeping Waters

by Malcolm Mulholland

Weeping Waters details the current debate regarding the Treaty of Waitangi and a constitution for Aotearoa New Zealand. It features essays from eighteen well-known and respected Maori figures including Professor Margaret Mutu, Bishop Muru Walters, Judge Caren Fox, and lawyer Moana Jackson. This is the first book in recent years to offer a Maori opinion on the subject of constitutional change.

260 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there were better books on this important topic, but if they exist I do not know of them.

This is a collection of essays, most of which spend their first third recounting the same history from similar perspectives. Unfortunately most of the essays end with far too brief discussions of options or recommendations.

And, this book is now 10 years old, and parts of it are out of date.

That being said, this is the best book I know of, and there are a few million Kiwis who would benefit from reading it.

[Jonathon Hagger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The place of the Treaty in society and modern times is an ongoing conversation to be had. This book establishes a strong foundation for developing knowledge of the how New Zealand has gotten to where it is- without a constitution. A great read for people wanting to start understanding the positions of all sides, especially Māori

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Factually incorrect under Margaret Mutu's "Constitutional Intentions: The Treaty of Waitangi Texts". The author often refers to Queen Victoria's father "The King", but he wasn't, The King was her uncle. Such an error makes me wonder the accuracy of the rest.