NZ Wars: Stories of Waerenga a Hika

Doc Edge is proud to present the world premiere of the latest episode of NZ Wars: Stories of Waerenga-a-Hika, a landmark moment for both the series and for the communities whose history it honours.

You can now watch online for free – simply click on the video to watch.

In 1865, the pā at Waerenga-a-Hika became the flashpoint for one of the most significant conflicts of the New Zealand Wars. Within its walls, hundreds of Māori—men, women, and children—endured a siege that would irrevocably alter the future of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa.

NZ Wars: Stories of Waerenga-a-Hika returns to this sacred site through the voices of descendants whose ancestors lived, fought, and survived. Blending intimate storytelling and dramatic reconstruction with the very landscapes where these events unfolded, the film brings to light a history long overlooked by many, but never forgotten by those who carry it.

More than a chronicle of battle, this film is an act of remembrance and reclamation. It reflects on the enduring legacy of war and land loss while honouring the profound resilience of the Tūranga communities.

Made with the support of NZ On Air and RNZ