“A Distinct and Separate Settlement” written by Donald Wright

Beginning in 1856, Don Wright’s first book, “A Distinct and Separate Settlement” recounts the fraught and complicated history of the governance of Norfolk Island, and the influence this has had on the who, what and why of its governance.

Don Wright is a lawyer with a deep knowledge and love for Norfolk Island. Accepting a position as Legal Advisor in 1983, Don held several senior positions in the territory’s Administration and Government in the nine years he lived there, including Secretary to Government and Crown Solicitor. At one of the highest levels (in his private capacity), he represented Norfolk Island in the High Court case, Bennett v. Commonwealth, a case to change constitutional law. Though his team was unsuccessful, this case was career defining.

Don grew to love Norfolk Island. He found it intellectually rewarding and discovered a tight-knit community which embraced him and his family. Don’s first child was born on the island and his wife established a family-run restaurant called ‘Moira’ there. Don even learnt to fly small planes during his time in the territory.

Before Norfolk, Don was the Assistant Editor of the New Zealand Law Reports, and after leaving Norfolk, Don was a Commercial Litigation Partner in a Sydney law firm. Since his university days in Wellington, Don has continued his study and love of philosophy and now reads it for leisure.

Today, Don spends most of his time writing in his Sydney home.

Norfolk Island is small, remote, insular. And yet its literature is expansive and its culture is rich, while its people continue to inspire with their brave and touching stories.

Centred on the lived experience of Norfolk Islanders, Wright focuses on colonial hegemonies and legacies. His book is supported by thorough research, intense detail and personal experience from his nine years living on the Island. It explores a complex history from the 1856 arrival of Pitcairners on the Island, to the infanticide case of Annie Christian, to postwar reconstruction and modern-day tourism.

This book adds to a long standing, extensive tradition of literature about and from Norfolk Island. It aims to benefit and hold true to the experiences and perspectives of Norfolk Islanders