The New Zealand Wars - Episode 4, Taranaki Prophets

This episode of James Belich’s popular Aotearoa history series begins in Taranaki, where the Pai Mārire faith and other Māori prophetic movements are gaining popularity. After years of bloodshed and brutality, the Crown is disillusioned with the wars and the British withdraw their troops from New Zealand, leaving colonial troops and Māori kūpapa to fight against Māori resisters. Mass land confiscations lead charismatic Māori rangatira Tītokowaru, who had once espoused peace, to declare war again. Clashes at Turuturu Mōkai and Te Ngutu o te Manu lead to upheavals in the Armed Constabulary. Read more about the show here. 

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

– Tītokowaru, in a letter for the colonists

Key Cast & Crew

Tainui Stephens

Director, Character Voices

Colin McRae

Producer, Research

James Belich

Writer, Presenter

Stan Wolfgramm

Character Voices

Sarah Wilson

Character Voices

Richard Wilson

Character Voices