Author:
Paul W. Feenstra is a historical fiction novelist. Meticulously researched and detailed, his character driven novels create a dramatic window into our chronicled and complex past. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1959, to Dutch immigrants, Paul still commutes to Los Angeles, California, where he worked as a multiple ‘Emmy’ nominated entertainment industry professional.

Will justice prevail over greed and ruthless ambition?

July 1839, without the permission of the English Government, the New Zealand Company ship, Tory, quietly departed England, anxious to reach New Zealand with the utmost speed. Expedition leader, Colonel William Wakefield’s objective is clear –  acquire millions of acres of valuable land from the natives at the lowest possible price.

On board the Tory, Andrew and Eleanor Stewart, young Scottish emigrants indentured to the New Zealand Company, are excited at the prospect of beginning a new life in a perfect town called Britannia. It’s the Utopia the company promised. 

Boundary highlights adversity as settlers struggle to survive the hardships of a new colony. Where mounting claims of illegally obtained lands and deception force local Maori chiefs to resist. How much more can they endure before they finally take action and revolt? 

Caught between the loyalty to their employer, and helping Maori, Andrew and Eleanor encounter schemers and murderers as they challenge the powerful New Zealand Company and the men who govern. Meticulously researched, Boundary is a story of greed and injustice, and draws attention to an often-misunderstood dark passage in New Zealand’s early colonial history.

Boundary

"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 controlled that land. Wakefield never questioned whether that chief had the right to sell that land and he probably should have. However, within the Māori community, this wasn't so cut-and-dried. Lesser chiefs questioned the validity of the deed of sale and the right of the senior chief to accede ownership and control of large tracts of land to the New Zealand Company."


"I see, then the question is, who was the rightful owner of the land?" asked Spain.


Chapter 65