The New Zealand Wars - Episode 3, The Invasion of the Waikato

In this episode of James Belich’s acclaimed history series on the New Zealand Wars, Governor George Grey orders construction of the Great South Road in order to penetrate the heart of the King Movement in the Waikato. The British carry out a series of attacks throughout the Waikato region, including at Rangiriri, Ōrākau and Rangiaowhia. Māori resistance and independence endure despite the wars being waged against them. The Battle of Gate Pā at Pukehinahina leads to a bitter defeat for the British, who continue to struggle against sophisticated Māori pā and trench warfare. Read more about the series here.

We tend to think of the New Zealand Wars as small, but we need to see them in the context of their own time and place. In 1864, a peak of 18,000 troops, imperial and colonial, were mobilised. This army attacked a Māori people who numbered little more than 50,000 men, women and children. It was as though an army of 1,000,000 people had invaded the New Zealand of today.

– James Belich gives context to the size of Governor Grey's troops

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