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NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui

48m

The third epic chapter in the award-winning NZ Wars series. Presented by Mihingarangi Forbes.

Made with the support of NZ On Air

Series details.

Credits

Mihingarangi Forbes
Creator & Presenter
Annabelle Lee-Mather & Philip Smith
Executive Producers
Ngawaero Maniapoto
Line Producer
Mahanga Pihama
Producer
Mahanga Pihama & Cameron Bennett
Directors
Cameron Bennett
Writer
Kay Ellmers & Tim Burnell
RNZ Commissioning
Shannon Haunui-Thompson
RNZ Kurahautuu Māori

NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui is the next compelling chapter in RNZ’s award-winning documentary project on the New Zealand Wars.

The 1863 invasion of the Waikato was the defining conflict of New Zealand, reinforcing the Crown’s power, entrenching one of Aotearoa’s oldest political institutions (the Kiingitanga), and resulting in land confiscations that continue to shape New Zealand today.

Once again, Great Southern Television and Aotearoa Media Collective bring this important chapter of our nation’s story to life, teaming up with RNZ to create a digital documentary project that vividly illustrates how these battles looked, sounded, and felt.

Presented by Mihingarangi Forbes and featuring Dr. Vincent O’Malley alongside esteemed iwi historians Rahui Papa, Brad Totorewa, Tom Roa, Mamae Takerei, and Kawhia Muraahi, NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui examines the events that continue to influence contemporary Aotearoa.

Forbes says, ”The Waikato Wars, or as Waikato historian Mamae Takerei describes it, "the war on the people of Waikato," changed the relationship between Paakehaa and Maaori forever.” Centered on three key encounters—Rangiriri, Rangiaaowhia, and Ooraakau—NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui is a bicultural retelling of “the biggest and most important campaign of the 19th-century New Zealand Wars.” The documentary recaps the events that led to the invasion of the Waikato and examines its consequences for future generations of New Zealanders.

Producer Mahanga Pihama says the documentary features “heartbreaking stories that are told by the descendants that will forever remain a part of New Zealand’s history.” Using dramatic re-enactments, interviews, historical records, haka, and digital storytelling, the project brings to life the first-hand narratives of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, which have been passed down through the generations.

In 2020, the last installment of the series, NZ Wars: Stories of Waitara, won Te Maangai Paaho Best Māori Programme at the NZTV Awards.

Executive Producer Annabelle Lee-Mather says, "This documentary is a must-watch for all New Zealanders who want to understand the roots of inequity in Aotearoa and why the fight for treaty justice continues today." The documentary is also accompanied by extended interviews with key talent.

In partnership with

Partner Logo for Aotearoa Media Collective for use on dark background

In partnership with

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Made with the support of

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