About the Author

Rongowhakaata Halbert (1894-1973) was an authority on East Coast genealogy and history, renowned for his command of te Reo Maori. He was a member of many eminent boards, and adviser on Maori issues and language to bodies including the Maori Land Court, the Polynesian Society and the Department of Education. Horouta, his life's work, was brought to publication after his death by his descendants, led in the last stages by the late Te Nonoikura Haronga and the late Peter Gordon.