Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance Recommended for Younger Viewers)
The fourth chapter in RNZ’s NZ Wars series examines the events that led to the first armed conflict between Ngāti Toa, the New Zealand Company and Nelson settlers just three years after the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau, documents the clash between renowned Ngāti Toa fighting chiefs Te Rauparaha and Te Rangihaeata and the notorious New Zealand Company which resulted in the loss of life and land.
The documentary examines the events that led to this conflict and its consequences which continue to reverberate nearly two centuries on.
Using dramatic re-enactments, interviews, historical records, haka and digital storytelling NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau brings to life the first-hand narratives of tangata whenua and tangata tiriti which have been passed down through the generations.
Presented by Mihingarangi Forbes and featuring Dr Vincent O’Malley alongside esteemed iwi historians Sir Matiu Rei, Kahu Ropata, Miria Pomare and Lloyd Carpenter, NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau explores the events that shaped our country and their ongoing influence in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand.
Te Rangihaeata and Te Rauparaha portrayed in NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau Photo: Great Southern Television
Te Rauparaha portrayed in NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau Photo: Great Southern Television
Te Rangihaeata portrayed in NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau Photo: Great Southern Television
Te Rauparaha portrayed in NZ Wars: Stories of Wairau Photo: Great Southern Television
Kapa Haka
Tērā ia ngā tai o Honipaka
Toia mai rā
Ka tukituki
Ngā reta o Ngāti Toa
Related Programmes
- In 2021 Great Southern Television produced NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui nominated for Best Māori Programme 2021 at the 2021 New Zealand Television Awards.
NZ Wars: Stories of Tainui Photo: GSTV
- In 2019 Great Southern Television produced NZ Wars: Stories of Waitara winning the Te Māngai Paho Best Māori Programme at the 2020 New Zealand Television Awards.
NZ Wars: Stories Of Waitara Photo: GSTV
- In 2017 Great Southern Television produced NZ Wars: The Stories of Ruapekapeka to critical acclaim receiving Best Documentary, Best Māori Programme and finalist for Best Presenter - Entertainment at the 2018 Huawei Mate20 New Zealand Television Awards.
Photo: RNZ / Great Southern Television
Photo: NZ On Air
