Stories Of Our Past

Join renowned New Zealand historian and bestselling author Dr. Monty Soutar ONZM for an unforgettable evening at Te Aute College. In conversation with local legend Peter Burne, Monty will draw from his extensive research and acclaimed Kāwai series to offer fascinating insights into the rich history of Aotearoa and the transformative power of historical storytelling.

Monty's numerous roles have included Senior Historian for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, Director of the Tairāwhiti Museum and World War One Historian in Residence at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. In 2015, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and historical research. He continues to serve on the Waitangi Tribunal.

In 2021 he was awarded the Michael King Writers Fellowship to write the Kāwai series, epic historical novels which bring to vivid life pre-colonial Māori society and the colonial experience from a Māori perspective. The first, For Such a Time as This, was the best-selling New Zealand fiction novel of the year and shortlisted for the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction. The instantly-bestselling second, Tree of Nourishment, explores the profound impacts of early colonisation.

Peter Burne's wife, Pip, encouraged him to consider teaching after seeing his natural ability while coaching kids. He completed a Diploma of Teaching through Wellington Teachers’ College and never looked back. He has taught at Ongaonga, Otane, Elsthorpe, and Waipukurau Primary and is now in his 11th year at Waipawa Primary. Teaching reignited Peter’s love of reading, as he seeks books that engage his students. One standout is Brave Kāhu and the Pōrangi Magpies, written by his sister, Shelley Burne-Field. He praises its suspense, character connections, and use of te reo Māori. Peter is active in his community, coaching sports and supporting various groups. He encourages his students to lead in their own way following the motto "Haere taka mua, taka muri; kaua e whai" – Be a leader, not a follower.

This is a must-attend event for history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone eager to learn from one of New Zealand's foremost historians.

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