Jeff Evans

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  • Waka Taua: The Māori War Canoe Author: Jeff Evans ISBN: 978-0-947506-39-1 RRP: $37.99 Specs: 250 x 185 mm portrait, PB, 76 pp, b&w Published by Oratia Books: April 2017 The Book: A Māori war canoe being paddled a full speed is an awesome sight. Thanks to the renaissance in canoe building, more and more traditional waka taua are on the waterways, and feature in major events like the Queen’s Jubilee. Waka Taua gives a concise introduction to all aspects of the war canoe: its history, recent revival, types and variants, phase of building, parts of the waka, crew responsibilities and paddling techniques. With numerous historical and contemporary photographs and drawings, this easy-to-read book is the perfect reference for these amazing craft. Praise for the first edition of Waka Taua: ‘What a valuable and timely book, there being something of a rebirth in canoe building at present’ – Northern Advocate ‘It is Evans’ passion for his subject that makes this book special’ – Weekend Herald ‘.., has value and merit for all those interested in the history of waka taua’ – Hirini Melbourne, Waikato Times

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  • Maori Weapons in Pre-European New Zealand Author: Jeff Evans ISBN: 978-0-947506-15-5 RRP: $37.99 Specs: 250 x 185 mm portrait, PB, 72 pp, b&w Published: August 2014 The Book: Here is a full inventory of traditional Maori weapons with all the available written information about traditional weapons collected into one concise volume. Maori Weapons provides complete cultural and technical information on the handmade weapons used by Maori, along with photos and line drawings. From the well-known taiaha and mere, to the more obscure wahaika and maripi, this is a comprehensive guide that will serve a range of readers. 'This book does a marvellous job of bringing together all the knowledge that could be gleaned from written sources on Maori weapons as objects of war... Here then is a complete armoury of Maori weapons.' – The late Dr Hirini Melbourne
  • Ngā Waka o Neherā The first voyaging canoes ISBN: 978-0-947506-05-6 RRP: $47.99 Specs: 245 x 175 mm portrait, PB, 224 pp, b&w Published: 2009; New edition: 2016 The Book: Ngā Waka o Neherā is the essential reference work to the traditions of Māori canoes that voyaged to New Zealand – including lists of the waka, names of crew members and vessels, karakia and waiata, and maps. A must for lovers of history, students of Māori and nautical enthusiasts, the book is concisely written with Jeff’s trademark clarity and solid research.

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