The New Zealand Wars - Episode 1, The War that Britain Lost

The first episode of James Belich's award-winning history on the New Zealand Wars gives context to Māori-Pākehā relations before the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and explains how the Treaty's signing gave rise to a series of conflicts in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland. From the extinguishing of Kororāreka to the fierce clashes at Puketutu, to the trench warfare at Ōhaeawai pā, this episode follows the progression of the Northern Wars in the 1840s, where the British Army are eventually defeated by Ngāpuhi rangatira (chiefs) such as Hōne Heke and Te Ruki Kawiti. Read more about the series here.

We need to see the real lives and real history behind these images. They are not mementos hanging on walls or hidden away in dusty photo albums, but real flesh and blood. The last vestiges of the men and women who fought the New Zealand Wars. They made history. We forgot it.

– James Belich reflecting on the photographs of veterans from the New Zealand Wars

Key Cast & Crew

Tainui Stephens

Director, Character Voices

Colin McRae

Producer, Research

Whirimako Black

Composer

Richard S Long

Cinematographer

James Belich

Writer, Presenter

Trudy Steele

Production Manager