Description
Respectful and humble Mormon missionaries had a genuine love and appreciation of Māori. They learned the language, blessed children and administered to the sick, lived among the people, slept on raupō mats and ate the same food. Their church set standards that required sacrifice and commitment from converts, but unlike other missionaries, the Mormons did not reject traditional Māori socio-cultural mores. They shared reverence for family and genealogy and were guided by visions and dreams.
This book discusses twelve influential men and women, all born in the 19th century, who joined the Mormon Church in Aotearoa New Zealand and became leaders. Each chapter is written by direct descendants of these rangatira, who by constructive attitude and action brought their people together and enabled them to embrace new concepts and move into a new century.
From the foreword by Sir Mason Durie
‘Turning the Hearts of the Children is a valuable addition to the expanding literature on Māori leadership and the role of leaders in paving a way for Māori within a global environment.’
