Indigenous Agents of Religious Change in New Zealand, 1830–1860

Abstract

The activities of Maori «teachers» in the CMS (Anglican) and Wesleyan missions in New Zealand up to 1860 are described and analysed. Attention is given to their role in pioneer evangelism, their teaching of literacy and Christian doctrines, and their pastoral care of Maori Christians. Although spontaneous at first, their work was quickly formalized by the missions, and training was provided. The relationship of the teachers with existing political and religious structures in Maori society is examined, as are their attitudes to and influence on Maori religious ideas and practices. Eventually an ordained ministry developed from the work of the teachers, with the first ordinations occurring at the end of the period covered. The crucial phase of Maori Christianization, however, was the era not of the ordained ministers (which coincided with the period of colonial consolidation) but of the lay teachers working in an earlier New Zealand less dominated by Europeans.