Gordon McLauchlan - A Short History of New Zealand Wars

Gordon McLauchlan – A short History of New Zealand Wars

Richard Langston speaks to well-known journalist, author and social commentator Gordon McLauchlan, whose latest book, A Short History of New Zealand Wars, has also been published in time for October 28. The book gives an overarching, but concise, exploration of the struggle between Maori and the colonial powers over governance issues, and the consequences for Aotearoa. McLauchlan's previous books include Great Tales from Rural New Zealand (2016); Great Tales from New Zealand History which has been in print since 2004; The Passionless People Revisited (2012); and A Short History of New Zealand (2014). He was also editor-in-chief of The New Zealand Encyclopaedia for 10 years.

Bringing the New Zealand Wars to life
Theatre and screen director, Simon Bennett had the task of bringing the oral Stories of Ruapekapeka to life. His reconstructions of life during the wars form an important part of the documentary highlighting Northland's most infamous armed conflict. The project is a collaboration between RNZ and Great Southern Television with funding from NZ on Air and coincides with commemorations of the New Zealand Wars. See it at: NZ Wars – The Stories of Ruapekapeka