Naboths Vineyard: Towards Truth and Reconciliation in Aotearoa New Zealand

This book is a theological and historical exploration of social reconciliation. Specifically it examines some of the factors that have contributed to the fissure of the relationship between the Christian church and Maaori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand.It argues that the church has been a complicit partner in the alienation of Maaori land over a 150 year period, both in its silence towards the governments of the day and by its own involvement in land accumulation. A theological model of social reconciliation is offered, which argues that truth recovery and repentance are necessary components of any steps towards reconciliation. Within the New Zealand context this means that the church needs to begin by acknowledging its complicity in the alienation of Maori land - a betrayal of its prophetic and pastoral mandate. This acknowledgment is a necessary step towards a healing of the land.