Why are the New Zealand Wars still important? 🔊

Today, Thursday, the 28th of October in Aotearoa New Zealand, is the annual national day of remembrance for the New Zealand Wars. The New Zealand Wars of the 19th century between the indigenous Māori people and British colonial troops and supporters are one of Aotearoa’s most significant historical events, if not its most significant. However, it has taken a long time to be commemorated or acknowledged in terms of a day where people can come together to remember the lives lost, the devastation caused, and reflect on what the wars mean today in the 21st century. 

In this episode of the Big Q podcast, Sam Smith speaks with renowned New Zealand historian Vincent O’Malley about the New Zealand wars, their importance, and their place in contemporary New Zealand.

Vincent O’Malley is a historian and founding partner of HistoryWorks, a group of historians specialising in Treaty of Waitangi research. He is also the author of a number of books on New Zealand history, including his latest Voices from the New Zealand Wars.

Podcast:

For more of our audio and visual content, check out our YouTube channel, or head to the University of Auckland’s manuscripts and archives collection.

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this discussion reflect the views of the guests and not necessarily the views of The Big Q. 

You might also like:

Does New Zealand’s history matter? 

Why is the Treaty of Waitangi and its history important? 🔊