The New Zealand Wars 5 - The East Coast Wars (Episode Five)

This excerpt from the final part of James Belich's award-winning history series focuses on Tūhoe prophet Rua Kēnana — the target of the last action of the New Zealand Wars in 1916, 73 years after hostilities began. He creates an independent community at Maungapōhatu in the Ureweras, complete with a remarkable meeting house. But any whiff of domestic dissent is intolerable for a Government fighting a war overseas. Armed constabulary are sent to apprehend Rua on trumped up charges, with fatal results for two of his followers.

For many years, New Zealanders had a sense that their country had no history. Real history, we were told, happened overseas. For some reason, we failed to confront our own past.

– James Belich

Key Cast & Crew

Tainui Stephens

Director

David Tokios

Editor

James Belich

Writer, Presenter

Colin McRae

Producer

Billy Kristian

Composer

Whirimako Black

Composer