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Books & Blog by Tom

Books for people interested in New Zealand history. 
Blog for people interested in current events.
Books
Blog

Irish Convict Series

Tom O’Connor’s latest releases; historical fiction novels based on true stories of several real Irishmen in the early 1800s living in New Zealand.

Lost Sons

Irish Convict: Lost Sons

Maurice O’Brien is an Irish youth struggling the transition from boyhood to manhood in Ireland in the 1830’s. When trouble finds him, he lands in court and faces the sentence for convicts; transportation to Botany Bay – the other side of the world.  

Outback Shepherds

Irish Convict: Outback Shepherds

Maurice is an Irish convict in the New South Wales penal colony – a wild and dangerous place. He grapples with despair and loneliness of the outback. Escape is almost impossible, but those who do find themselves in the land of heathen savages.

New Zealand

When Maurice O’Brien reaches New Zealand he is a mutineer and an escaped convict. Surviving in the so-called land of heathen savages and cannibals is as difficult and dangerous as New South Wales. He now has to settle in a new land and culture.

Homeward Bound

In spite of the dangers of sailing small boats around Cook Strait and surviving a gunfight with one of the most ferocious musket armed Maori tribes, Maurice O’Brien must decide if New Zealand is his home or return to his homeland of Ireland.

Troubled Waters

Irish Convict: Troubled Waters

Revisiting Ireland, Maurice O’Brien is grief stricken at the state of his homeland following the devastation of the potato famine. Disease starvation and forced immigration have depopulated many parts of the country. His family no longer exists.

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Te Rauparaha Trilogy

Historical fiction novels based on true stories of New Zealand Maori in pre-european times.

Tides of Kawhia

Based on the true events of Ngati Toarangatira based in Kawhia and Aotea in late the 1790s.

Pathways of Taranaki

Tells the story of how Te Rauparaha lead Ngati Toa south to escape invading Waikato tribes.

Shadows of Kapiti

The strange Pakeha with their huge ships, and deadly weapons are seen through Maori eyes.

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Tom's latest blogs

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About 
Tom O'Connor

Tom O’Connor is a writer. He is the author of several books, writes opinion columns published by some New Zealand newspapers. Extra opinion pieces are posted here as blogs. Tom O’Connor is a Justice of the Peace, an elected Councillor at Waimate District Council and a retired journalist. 

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Reader Reviews

Fantastic reading I was raised from a baby at Maketu Kawhia behind Ahurei my partner was Scottish and brought up with Maori in Porirua (Ngati Toa) so for some time I’ve been wanting to know about Te Rauparaha and Ngati Toa, therefore, I am very thankful that Tom wrote these books.
Dave Kana12 Feb 2021
This was the second book of the trilogy that I read.I enjoyed the colloquial style of the writing. This no nonsense account of the culture and times of the people of Kawhia and their journey into Taranaki, was a gripping read.
Ralph MurrayFeb 2021
Always feel u don’t choose the book the book chooses u. Nice easy reading will definitely be getting the other 2 books from the trilogy. Discovered this book in Kawhia so makes it that much better to me.Thanks, tom much appreciated book to add to the collection
Vinnie TamakahaOct 2023
Excellent read and gives one a real feel for what life was like at the time. Definitely not all “peaches & cream”. I am heartened by the knowledge that the events written about have been known to have occurred. The book gives flavour to the facts
George MossMay 2021
Purchased this book for my husband and read it myself, we both loved it! Have recommended it to so many of our friends, it's a book you can't put down.
Kuia ByfordFeb 2021
Such a great book about the tragic shooting in Christchurch. Definitely recommend everyone to read this to gain more insight to that tragic day in March, 2019. Thanks Tom for this masterpiece.
Daniel SteadAug 2022
Totally engaging Tom makes history exciting. First of a trilogy-highly recommend all three, hard to put down.
Terry KitsonDec 2021
I have purchased a number of copies of all three titles in the Trilogy and have passed most of the books on to special friends with my recommendation. I particularly enjoyed the second edition of Pathways of Taranaki
Ross RobertsonFeb 2021
Very powerful reading of both books. Read both multiple times. Cant wait for the third book
Les HallFeb 2023
Brilliant, hard to put down, and life-changing read! Absolutely loved this trilogy, easily some of the best books I have ever read. Never have I learned so much from reading with an incredibly well-written and fascinating storyline. These books are true treasures that should be shared and read by every New Zealander.
Tim DuffJan 2022
If you like the Te Rauparaha Trilogy you should also read the “Irish Convict”, I was totally blown away by this book. Fascinating insight into how Europeans were able to settle here in NZ and why and how the treaty was formed. Incredible read! Thanks, Tom O’Connor you're an absolute legend.
Tim DuffJan 2022
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