"Māori do represent the biggest challenge for you, as they have for me too. Heaven knows I've upset them enough through silly errors on my part," began Hobson. "But all is not always how its first appears. The complex relationships of tribal allegiances and power among chiefs have complicated the issues before us. Look, let me explain it this way," Hobson repositioned himself, as Spain listened closely.

"Wakefield purchased land around Wellington from a senior chief who claimed he ...