The author of a book about early relations between Maori and Pakeha says examples from the 19th century could be useful today.
Vincent O'Malley's, The Meeting Place: Maori and Pakeha encounters, 1642-1840, is a finalist in the New Zealand Post Book Awards for 2013.
Mr O'Malley says between 1814 and 1840, relations between the two people became cordial as they relied on each other for trade and survival.
He says similar circumstances are arguably re-emerging today as Maori become major players in the New Zealand economy.
Mr O'Malley says while the British were coy about documenting early sexual relations between Maori and Pakeha - the French had no such qualms.
The winners of the New Zealand Post Book Awards are announced on 28 August.
