Video Resources
Take a voyage through the history of New Zealand with The Aotearoa History Show from RNZ - a part-animated web-series that travels all the way through from 100 million years ago to the modern day, capturing the highlights of our nation’s story.
Fourteen short, sharp episodes dissect the what, when, how, and (most importantly) why of our past.
The story of Aotearoa begins 100 million years ago. Huge tectonic forces rip apart the old supercontinent of Gondwana. A brand new continent is formed, Te Riu-a-Māui/Zealandia, it’s many times the size of modern day New Zealand. We meet the creatures which called this land home and witness the geological and climatic forces which reshaped the land.
The Polynesian people who first discovered Aotearoa spent hundreds of years exploring the Pacific Ocean. When they finally arrived here it was unlike anything they had seen before. It’s a story of technological innovation, new horizons and becoming a new people.
Abel Tasman and James Cook’s first contacts with Māori were complex and sometimes violent. Europeans introduce new technologies, food and ideas, such as muskets, potatoes and Christianity. In some cases this works out well for Tangata Whenua - but in other cases the consequences are devastating.
In Europe, factions argue over the future of Aotearoa. Colonisation? Protection for indigenous peoples? Meanwhile Māori have their own ideas how to handle the growing number of Pakeha. In the end, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is signed, but the early promise quickly turns to confusion and, ultimately, war.
Further video episodes and podcasts of the Aotearoa History show can be accessed via the link below or by visiting this YOUTUBE link
