The Tribes of the Muriwhenua is described by the author as a 'story of beginnings, evolution and consolidation, applied to the people who make up the tribes of the Muriwhenua'. It is the history of the Far North and the iwi Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngai Takoto, Te Rarawa and Ngati Kahu. For each iwi, Cloher gives whakapapa and a variety of lively and dramatic stories, all of which have been discussed and authorised by local kaumatua. The stories have been expertly translated by Dr Merimeri Penfold, widely respected for her knowledge of and feel for te reo Maori. The bilingual text is illustrated with photographs of the Muriwhenua landscape.