Registering with NZ On Screen means you can:
We won't share your data with anyone (see our Privacy Policy) and we won't spam you. It's that simple.
Mike King presents the story of Gustavus Von Tempsky: swashbuckling colonial soldier of fortune, "flamboyant folk hero" and "our first pin up boy". The Prussian-born artist, self-promoter, romantic and adventurer, led an elite unit - the Forest Rangers - in the 1860s New Zealand Wars, garbed in trademark Garibaldi shirt, kilt and calvary sabre. His bush-fighting skill attracted respect from Māori foes, who named him "manu rau" (many birds); but also controversy after an infamous raid. He met his demise fighting guerilla leader Titokowaru.
I came across Gustavus Ferdinand Von Tempsky in my reading about The New Zealand Wars and was struck by the way many history writers (or re-writers!) had so strongly condemned him. It was as if he had become the scapegoat of all the Pākehā guilt ...
Please keep your comments relevant to this title. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.
No one has commented yet. Go on, be the first!
Bright Spark Television
Bright Spark Television
You need to be logged in to add to your favourites.
Television, 2005 (Full Length)
A documentary on NZ vernacular also directed by John Milligan
Television, 1977 (Full Length Episode)
Landmark historical drama series about Governor Grey and colonial NZ
Television, 1998 (Excerpts)
Historian James Belich’s take on the New Zealand Wars
Television, 1998 (Excerpts)
Doco about the fighting in Taranaki
Finalist - Most
Outstanding Website
The ONYAs 2010 & 2011
Best Entertainment Website
Finalist – Website design
Qantas Media Awards 2009
NZ ON SCREEN 2012
This website has been made with funding from NZ ON AIR ›
The synopsis and credits are included
