The Unsettled explores what it means to own your past. After Richard Shaw published his acclaimed memoir The Forgotten Coast in 2021, he connected with Pkeh individuals possessing long settler histories. These individuals were beginning to confront the truth behind their families’ ‘pioneer stories’, questioning the foundations of aggressive acts of colonisation and land confiscation upon which these narratives were constructed.

The Unsettled intertwines these stories with Shaw’s own experiences, highlighting New Zealanders attempting to reconcile with their pasts, live consciously in their presents, and imagine their possible futures. Despite feeling unsettled, they are taking action to address these complex issues.

This book serves as an indispensable companion on the journey towards understanding the intricate and challenging history of the New Zealand Wars and their continuing effects.