The New Zealand Wars - Episode 5, The East Coast Wars

This final episode of James Belich’s acclaimed series focuses on the East Coast Wars. Colonial and kūpapa forces lay siege to pā including Ngātapa, leading to the arrest of Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Tūruki, founder of the Ringatū Church. After his escape, Te Kooti is pursued through Te Urewera and into King Country. The wars leave a colonial government in control of the country. But they also leave a legacy of Māori independence movements and resistance that continues into the 20th century, until armed police attack Rua Kēnana at Maungapōhatu in what historians describe as the last shooting of the New Zealand Wars. Read more about the show here.

For many years, New Zealanders had a sense that their country had no history. Real history, we were told, happened overseas. For some reason, we failed to confront our own past.

– James Belich discusses New Zealanders' "shared amnesia"

Key Cast & Crew

Tainui Stephens

Director, Character Voices

James Belich

Writer, Presenter

David Tokios

Editor

Colin McRae

Producer, Research

Stan Wolfgramm

Character Voices

Sarah Wilson

Character Voices