The old frontier: Te Awamutu, the story of the Waipa Valley The missionary, the soldier, the pioneer farmer, early colonization, the war in Waikato, life on the Maori border and later-day settlement

"The Old Frontier: Te Awamutu, the Story of the Waipa Valley" by James Cowan is a historical record that explores the Waipa Valley's deep past, focusing on the interactions between Maori and European settlers, and the role of missionaries. It paints a picture of life on the frontier, including early colonization, conflicts in Waikato, and later settlements. The book starts by showing off the Waipa region's stunning scenery and setting the historical stage with a mix of geography and legend. It describes the land's natural beauty, important geographical features, and old Maori fortresses, acknowledging the pervasive cultural narratives. It also looks at the beginning of European settlement and the coming of missionaries, which greatly changed the lives of the Maori. This beginning sets the stage for the historical events that shaped the valley and its people.