If you are like me, you want to be better informed about Aotearoa NZ’s history, but you learned little or nothing on the topic at school, and most of the very worthy NZ history books seem a bit big and daunting. But I have belatedly found a way to fill some of my knowledge gaps, and that is Radio NZ’s fabulous Aotearoa History Show, available as either a podcast or video, and hosted by Leigh-Marama McLachlan and William Ray.
Why is it so great? It’s clearly well-researched. The presenters and the content provide a balance of Māori and Pākehā perspectives. It is designed to appeal to the whole family; our 16-year-old was at least as keen as us to watch. Each of the 14 episodes are a very manageable 20 – 25 minutes. And it’s even quite funny, in an understated, Kiwi way.
I’m not usually one to recommend a specific show or product – but, as Leigh-Marama says in the first episode, “lots of us go through life knowing bugger all about our past.” I don’t want to be one of those people any more, and now there’s an easy way to fix that. If this sounds like you, give it a go!
Here’s the first episode:
Excellent. Entertaining and about time we had a good history lesson. I immigrated here in 1953 and asked everyone I knew to tell me about the country’s history. I was appalled by how little any one knew or cared. It was evident to me anyway in the little care and regard or knowledge people had for the forests (stunning) and old houses, always torn down to change the face of the town.
Thank you for that.
Listened to this series via podcast on a recent roadie down the South Island. Throughly recommended it as accessible, informative, and really interesting and entertaining.
Well done to all involved.
Ka pai!