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

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"

Kūpapa had their own reasons for fighting with Pākehā against their fellow Māori. It was partly that they did not see other Māori as being their own people. Each tribe was a people unto itself.

– James Belich discusses iwi expanding their own influence by backing government troops

Sitting up on top of this maunga, one can’t help but think about the courage and loyalty and fortitude of the people that supported Te Kooti, because of the terrain that they had to cover to get up here.

– Peter Moeau, a descendant of Te Kooti

If they let me alone, I will live quietly. If not, I will fight.

– Te Kooti on being urged to surrender