Rā Maumahara, the national day of remembrance for the New Zealand Wars, is coming up on 28 October and Te Awamutu Museum have organised a series of free public events in the week leading up to the day itself. 

There are bus tours to Rangiaowhia and Ōrākau, guided by the museum’s highly-knowledgeable staff, and a special screening of Ka Whawhai Tonu Mātou: Struggle Without End, the 2024 film set during the Ōrākau battle. See the Te Awamutu Museum events page for more details.

I will also be giving a free public talk at Regent Theatre on the evening on Thursday 22 October. Although it is free, bookings are essential and it would be best to get in early as this may fill up quickly. Click through to here to book. 

I have set out below the details for my talk on the invasion of Waikato.

Join Dr. Vincent O’Malley at the Regent Theatre, 235 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu on Thursday 22 October, 6.00pm to 8.30pm, for a public talk including a book signing with Paper Plus Te Awamutu.

Ticket Price: Free (limit of 4 tickets per order)

6pm – 6.30pm book purchase available

6.30pm – 6.40pm – Welcome/introduction by Shane Te Ruki (MC)

6.40pm -  7.30pm – Talk by Vincent O'Malley

7.30pm – 7.45pm – Question time

7.45pm – 8.30pm books available for purchase/signing:

·  The Great War for New Zealand: Waikato 1800–2000

·  The New Zealand Wars | Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa

·  Voices from the New Zealand Wars | He Reo nō ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa

·  The Invasion of Waikato | Te Riri ki Tainui

·  Fragments from a Contested Past: Remembrance, Denial and New Zealand History

·  The Meeting Place: Māori and Pākehā Encounters, 1642–1840

There is also a Facebook events page for the talk. And if you book one of the free bus tours you will also be in the draw to win a signed copy of my book, The Great War for New Zealand: Waikato 1800-2000.