The Last Maopo

M E D I A R E L E A S E
11 March 2014

The Last Maopo

The Life and First World War Sacrifice of Wiremu Maopo Tania Te Rangingangana Simpson

Next month sees the publication of a unique and moving story that marks the centenary of the First World War.

Wiremu Maopo was a young farm worker living at Taumutu, outside Christchurch, joined the second Māori Contingent in 1915 and went off to the war.

Wiremu writes regularly to his friend Virgie, and the story of his life is woven around 40 letters that he penned from Europe, along with photos of the time.

All of Wiremu’s siblings died of illness in childhood or later in life and after he returns from the war he loses his last sister, and becomes the only survivor of his once large family.

Wiremu was unaware during and after the war that his girlfriend Phoebe had given birth to a daughter who would carry on his line.

The Last Maopo also follows Phoebe’s story and reconnects the Maopo line with the author, Wiremu’s great-­granddaughter.

The Last Maopo is both a compelling personal story and a unique perspective on the Māori experience o the First World War Please contact us to arrange your review copy, extract or interview ahead of the April release.

The author:

Tania Simpson (Tainui, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu) is CEO of Māori development company Kōwhai Consulting, Deputy Chair of Landcare Research, and a member of the Waitangi Tribunal.

She has written several works of tribal history.

Tania lives with her family in Hamilton.

Release Date: 10 April 2014 | ISBN: 978-1-877514-66-1 | RRP $34.99 Paperback, 240 x 170 mm, 160 pages, b&w with photos

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