Media Releases

Voices from the past reflect on the New Zealand Wars

Released at 1:03 pm on 22 April 2016

This Anzac Day RNZ looks back at Aotearoa’s own civil war and remembers more than 3,000 people who lost their lives over three decades during the New Zealand wars.

Presented by Mihingarangi Forbes, the programme is a mix of live interviews and reports, drama, and recorded material. It includes rare archival recordings allowing us to hear voices from the past talking about the wars.

Four iwi representatives will provide a local perspective on the impact of the wars on their own people. Paraone Gloyne of Ngāti Raukawa, Te Kahautu Maxwell of Whakatohea, Peeni Henare of Ngāti Hine, Awanuiarangi Black of Ngāti Pukenga and RNZ’s Mihingarangi Forbes are all descended from people who fought in the New Zealand wars.

A content-sharing arrangement will allow RNZ programming to be carried by Radio Waatea and on other stations of the iwi network.

Acknowledging the collaboration, Bernie O’Donnell, General Manager of Radio Waatea, emphasised the importance of giving listeners an opportunity to hear about this nation’s early internal struggles towards nationhood.

“As national broadcasters both RNZ and Waatea are taking a lead role to work together especially around key events like ANZAC Day. The RNZ produced programme is a perfect opportunity to begin this relationship because it lends a Maori perspective and Maori voice to such an important national day. “

Broadcast Details:
Māori and the New Zealand Wars
Presented by Mihingarangi Forbes
Produced by Shannon Haunui-Thompson and Dean Bedford
Monday 25th April
RNZ National 101 FM from 7am (repeated at 7pm)
Radio Waatea 603 AM from 9am