The New Zealand Wars 1 - The War that Britain Lost (First Episode)

This excerpt from the first episode of James Belich’s award-winning history of Māori vs Pākehā armed conflict looks at growing Māori resentment, after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The focus is on Ngā Puhi chief Hōne Heke, who sees few concessions to partnership. He is especially incensed by the refusal of the British to fly a Māori flag alongside the Union Jack. His celebrated acts of civil disobedience directed at this symbol of imperial rule flying over Kororāreka (now Russell) lead to the outbreak of war in the north.

Each amputation asked this question — if the British could not protect their own flag, in the midst of one of their largest settlements, what could they protect?

– James Belich on Hōne Heke’s felling of the flagstaffs

Key Cast & Crew

Tainui Stephens

Director

Colin McRae

Producer

James Belich

Writer, Presenter

Whirimako Black

Composer

Billy Kristian

Composer

Tom Finlayson

Network Executive