Obscure Italian Tome Pro-Maori

An extraordinary new book reveals sympathy for Maori from an unusual supporter – an Italian priest. The book, History of New Zealand and its Inhabitants, has waited over a century to be translated into English, but sits comfortably alongside the contemporary Maori renaissance and claims to the Waitangi Tribunal.

The book was originally published in Italy in 1896. Its author, Dom Felice Vaggioli, was one of the first Benedictine priests to be sent to New Zealand. He worked in Gisborne, Auckland and the Coromandel from 1879 to 1887. While in New Zealand, he gathered information, including first-hand accounts of Treaty of Waitangi signings, and of the Taranaki and Waikato wars.

On his return to Italy, Vaggioli responded to numerous requests (including a Papal directive) for information about New Zealand by writing this History. The result is a document that is unique in our nineteenth century literature, a lively, opinionated and potentially controversial book, which anticipates by nearly a century the writings of people like Ranginui Walker and Claudia Orange. While his anti-British and anti-Protestant bias is evident, Vaggioli rigorously backs up his arguments with quotes from numerous sources.

History of New Zealand has languished in obscurity until now, because it has been available in Italian only, and also because only a handful of copies of the original edition have survived. Most of the Italian edition was destroyed at the beginning of the twentieth century, following pressure from the British government, due to the work’s severe criticism of British colonial policy.

Had it not been for a chance occasion, the book might have remained relatively unknown. A few years ago John Crockett was doing some research in the archive of the Auckland Catholic Diocese when the archivist, Rev. Bruce Bolland, showed him an old book in Italian – Storia della Nuova Zelanda. It quickly became apparent to Crockett that he should translate the book into English, as it provided a unique interpretation of the impact of colonisation on the Maori.

Vaggioli’s writing style is dramatic and racy, and Crockett has retained this in his translation. The book is a terrific read of nineteenth century New Zealand history. Anyone interested in Maori-Pakeha relations or the history of colonisation will want to read this remarkable source.

History of New Zealand and its Inhabitants is published by the University of Otago Press. It includes a biographical introduction about Vaggioli by the translator, and an essay by historian Tom Brooking placing the book in the context of other nineteenth-century writing about New Zealand. It includes twenty illustrations, notes and an index. A launch for the book will be held at the University of Otago’s Auckland Centre on 20 August.

Published with the assistance of the Historical Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs

About the Author
Dom Felice Vaggioli (1845-1921) was a Benedictine monk from Tuscany. As a youth he was a conscientious objector, avoiding compulsory military service by hiding in a region which was under Austrian rule. He began his novitiate in 1864 and was professed a religious the following year. In 1876 he was sent as a missionary to Tunisia, and three years later to New Zealand.
Vaggioli was first appointed parish priest in Gisborne, and was entrusted with the job of clearing the parish debt. He then performed similar tasks at St Benedict’s church in Newton, Auckland. However, the stress of debt collecting resulted in his health deteriorating and after a brief holiday he was appointed to Coromandel. In 1888, after his return to Italy, he assumed the important post of Abbot Visitor of the Italian province of his order, until 1896 when he ceased this role to concentrate on his writing. From 1910 until his death he occupied the prestigious position of Superior of San Giorgio Maggiore monastery in Venice. Vaggioli was known for his austerity, intellectual curiosity and frankness.

About the Translator
John Crockett was born in Auckland in 1946 and attended Holy Name Seminary in Christchurch to begin studies for the Catholic priesthood. He then spent four years at Propaganda Fide College in Rome, where he received a theology degree and was ordained as a deacon, but decided not to become a priest. On returning to New Zealand he completed a BA in history and Italian and an MA in applied sociology. He has worked as a social worker and counsellor and currently works at Student Health at the University of Auckland. He is translating the first volume of Vaggioli’s History of New Zealand and is also working on an historical novel, Nga Roimata, based on the journey of two students, Maori and Pakeha, who were sent to Rome by Bishop Pompallier in the mid nineteenth century.

History of New Zealand and its Inhabitants
Dom Felice Vaggioli
Translated from the Italian by John Crockett
paperback, 340 pages
ISBN 1 877133 52 3
Due August 2000 (released week of 14 August, launched 20 August)
RRP $49.95

CONTACT
For more information, or to arrange interviews, contact
Philippa Jamieson, University of Otago Press, PO Box 56, Dunedin
tel 03 479 9094, fax 03 479 8385, philippa.jamieson@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

OR contact John Crockett directly on 025 275 0412

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