"This first comprehensive history of New Zealand's native forests ... brings together the fascinating chronology of forest evolution, the complexities of the forest pattern and wildlife, the mythological yet pragmatic relationship between Maori and the garden of Tane, and the brutal exploitation of forests following European discovery and settlement. This book also reveals the long history of environmental concern over forest destruction and the turbulence of the political process which attempted to grapple with forest legislation and policy. The fluctuating success of forest management practices is outlined, and the book concludes by examining the future direction of forest management and protection in New Zealand and around the world." -- Back cover.