Author(s): Neville Peat

NZ History

Stewart Island/Rakiura has a special place in the nation's history, not only as the southernmost permanently settled corner of Polynesia but also as a foothold for early European occupation. ' ...an island renowned for its natural beauty, named for its glowing skies, and now recognised for its radiant place in New Zealand history. Its heritage values are out of all proportion to its size and population.' This history of the island and its people serves also as a guide to an intriguing array of historic sites. Maori occupation dates back more than 700 years, and the island featured in the first few decades of European settlement and industry in New Zealand.