Views on Pakeha receiving Moko have changed over the centuries. While today it is generally considered to be taboo, through the 19th century, Moko were often given to "Pakeha-Maori" - Pakeha men and women who lived within Maori tribes. A Moko on a Pakeha could be a sign of allegiance and belonging. Based on in-depth research and interviews, Trevor Bently tells an important part of early New Zealand history. Men such as John Rutherford, Joshua Mewburn and Barnet Burns are all profiled.