Vincent O'Malley: Fighting over our past - remembrance, denial and New Zealand history

This session marks the 159th anniversary of British troops crossing the Mangatāwhiri Stream on 12 July 1863, launching their invasion of Waikato.

Historian Vincent O’Malley examines how this history is remembered and forgotten today. Von Tempsky Street in Hamilton has been renamed, while the statute of Captain Hamilton formerly displayed in the heart of the city, gathers dust in an undisclosed warehouse. Further afield, the town of Maxwell, north of Whanganui, named after a man who attacked and killed Māori children at Handley’s Woolshed in November 1868, has also recently been renamed.

History has never felt more topical or relevant.  Bill English’s government established a national day of remembrance, and Jacinda  Ardern’s government has declared all schools will teach New Zealand history. 

Vincent has written extensively on the New Zealand Wars, with a separate major book on the Waikato War. Most recently he has co-authored a BWB Text: Fragments from a Contested Past: Remembrance, Denial and New Zealand History.  You can buy a copy at Unity Books ($15) on your way up to the Fabian session at 2/57 Willis Street.

5.30 pm on Tuesday 12 July at 2/57 Willis Street (take the lifts behind Unity Books - to the second floor).