William Colenso, printer, missionary, botanist, explorer, politician

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Colenso was perhaps the most interesting of New Zealand's early public figures. A CMS missionary, printer and botanist, he established the first printing press and printed the first book, 5000 copies of the New Testament in Māori, in 1837. He also printed the Treaty of Waitangi. His Authentic and genuine history of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (1890) is regarded as the most reliable European account from the time. Throughout his life, he defended the rights and equality of Māori. Posted to Hawke's Bay and determined to expand the activities of the mission, Colenso undertook major journeys to reach isolated Māori villages on the east coast of the North Island and inland, including over the Ruahines. An extra-marital relationship brought an end to his career in the church and for a time he became a politician, intensely involved in public life. But science called once more and in his later years much time was given to botanising. William Colenso: His Life and Journeys is the most comprehensive biography of this forceful individual, deserving this new edition.