In Good Faith

This book is essentially about the journey of four families who migrated to New Zealand between 1840 and 1872. Drawn from diverse cultures, they were expected to adapt and thrive in a country far removed in distance and development from their respective homelands and cultures.

In tracing their journeys, I hoped to convey the characteristics and personal attributes of these pioneers by recounting actual events in settings and situations which are, on occasion, fictitious.

My investigations also drew my attention to how dependant they were on the vagaries of an emergent Government and how vulnerable they were to the winds of Parliamentary changes.

On a lighter note, I was surprised at the huge number of sailing ships ploughing the seas between Europe and the Southern oceans. Some of those vessels made two trips crossing the equator each year, bringing new people and merchandise to mainly Australia and New Zealand. Reading through some passenger experiences recorded in diaries and notebooks, I acknowledge their bravery in undertaking the voyage and subjecting themselves to the conditions of travelling in steerage for three months.

Finally, I gained so much during the writing of this novel and now have a deeper appreciation of the fortitude and achievements of our early settlers; empathy for the losses and hardships they endured and a fondness for some of the characters as I wrote of their exploits.

I hope you as a reader enjoy journeying along with them in their new homeland, New Zealand.

Format: Paperback
Pages: 220
Imprint: Copy Press
Publication date: 01/08/2024