126 – Matau the Giant of Wakatipu

As is tradition at the end of a topic, here is a Māori legend! This one talks how Lake Wakatipu in the lower South Island got its distinctive shape, as well as a unique feature that you may not have known about!

125 – Peace In Our Time

We talk about what happens in the immediate aftermath of a battle and how peace was made in our final episode on the pre-European Māori era of Aotearoa’s history.

124 – The Element of Surprise

We discuss how pā, fortified settlements, were captured during military campaigns, in particular how surprise and deception played a huge part in Māori warfare. Cover photo from Wikipedia. Become a Patron! Buy some merch!

122 – The Field of Battle

Today we will continue on the journey to battle looking at the strategies Māori employed and how they engaged in battle. Become a Patron! Buy some merch!

121 – Lighting the Beacons

We start to look at the process of how Māori went to war, firstly with how they prepared and then go on the journey with them as they gather allies and begin to march. Become a Patron! Buy some merch!

120 – Te Rā with the Early Māori Textiles Team

A very exciting interview with the team that brought home the only known pre-European Māori sail from the British Muesum. We talk about not just Te Rā herself but also the process of talking to the British Museum and organising the exhibition along with the responses from the New Zealand public.

119 – Waka Taua

The waka taua, war canoes, are one of the most enduring symbols of power and prestige from pre-European Aotearoa. Today is an extra long episode where we discuss their construction, symbolism and use!

117 – It’s How You Use It

Following on from the previous episode, we discuss some more Māori weapons. We cover some for the rangatira, like tewhatewha, and some that were more for the common folk, including the most feared weapon of all.

116 – It’s Not About Size

Waging war is a bit hard with just fists so in this episode and the one following we talk about the weapons Māori used to fight. In this episode we discuss some iconic weapons including the patu, taiaha and tewhatewha!

115 – The House of Tūmatauenga

The home stretch! Today we begin our final pre-European topic, Māori warfare. In this episode we discuss the reasons for war, from murder to migration as well as talking a bit about how Māori society was changing before Europe changed everything.