Your correspondents and book authors McLean and Robinson (The Weekend Sun, November 2) asked the question ‘Why is the Anglican Church apologising?' The simple answer – because the CMS missionary Brown got it wrong when he betrayed the friendship with local iwi by siding with the British invaders. The Te Papa land sold to CMS was for the purpose of protecting the land from being overrun by colonisers.

The story told in the authors' new book is not new; it's an old story taught in the 60s when I attended Gate Pa School. After skimming the ‘new' book for 20 minutes I found it rich in detail but derivative of British colonial taint. Keen writing of history in favour of the conqueror is just par for the course, but the authors have paid no regard to balance.

Fair representation of our history is important. I've interviewed enough people of both races to understand how local iwi ended up being pursued like criminals for wanting merely to live peacefully on their traditional lands.

Taratoa's commitment to justice can be clearly illustrated by the Bible scripture found on his body at the Te Ranga ambush – 'If your enemy hungers, give him food; if he thirsts give him water …”. The verse ends '..and in so doing you will pour burning coals of shame on him”.

M Maunder, Otumoetai.