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Hero image for The New Zealand Wars 4 - Taranaki Prophets (Episode Four)

The New Zealand Wars 4 - Taranaki Prophets (Episode Four)

Television (Excerpts) – 1998

In this excerpt from James Belich's high-rating Aotearoa history series, the focus returns to Taranaki, where charismatic chief Tītokowaru had been promoting peace. But settler demands for land and confiscations exhaust his goodwill, and he declares war. Vastly outnumbered, Titokowaru embarks on a devastatingly effective guerrilla campaign, which is aimed at provoking his foes to attack him on his terms. As emotions rise, Tītokowaru's war escalates with the attack on Turuturumōkai Redoubt, an act of cannibalism, and his taunt "I shall not die ..."

I shall not die. I shall not die. When death itself is dead, I shall be alive.
– Tītokowaru

Produced by

Logo for Landmark Productions

Landmark Productions