About the book
An Uncommon Land is a story of enclosure, dispossession, colonisation and – ultimately – hope for a better future. Through the lens of her ancestors’ stories, Catherine Knight throws light on the genesis and evolution of the commons, its erosion through enclosure and the ascendency of private property in parallel with the rise of capitalism – a history that has indelibly shaped New Zealand society and its landscape.
Like other European settlers, the lives and future prosperity of the author’s ancestors had their foundations in war, land appropriation and environmental destruction – but in their histories lie glimmerings of the potentiality of commons: tantalising hints of an alternative path to a re-commoned, regenerative future. From a past of enclosure, resource exploitation and exponential growth, this book shines light on the possibility of a different future, taking inspiration from our collective history.
This book is about the conversation
The book is intended as a ‘conversation opener’, a gentle invitation to consider a different future while reflecting on our past. Please get in touch if you would like to host such a forum or discussion in your part of the motu. Catherine is happy to explore opportunities to advance this conversation about how, together, we may shape a better future.
More information
See the website for more information and how to purchase the book.
See all events dates and locations.
SBN Board member Kath Dewar (GoodSense) will be joining author Dr Catherine Knight to facilitate the kōrero at the Nelson Tasman Climate Festival event.