A Past That Lives and Breathes

Vincent O’Malley’s richly illustrated new book The Invasion of Waikato / Te Riri ki Tainui brings personality and visuals to critical events that shaped our nation, alongside a deeply rewarding insight into Waikato’s significance in Aotearoa’s history. The first novel in Monty Soutar’s ground-breaking Kāwai series made a huge impression with its vivid portrayal of the pre-European life of Maaori, and he has recently released the second in his intended trilogy, Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment.

The two eminent historians discuss their passion to enliven Aotearoa’s past, and their discoveries along the way, with Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand.

Vincent O’Malley
Historian Dr Vincent O'Malley’s latest work is The Invasion of Waikato / Te Riri ki Tainui. He has previously won an Ockham NZ Book award, and received the Prime Minister’s award for Literary Achievement and the Royal Society Te Apārangi’s Humanities Aronui Medal.

Monty Soutar
Historian Dr Monty Soutar ONZM (Ngati Porou, Ngati Awa, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, Ngati Kahungunu) is the author of Kāwai: For Such a Time As This, shortlisted for an 2023 Ockham NZ Book Awards, with it’s sequel Kāwai: Tree of Nourishment, released in 2024.

Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand
Jennifer Te Atamira Ward-Lealand CNZM is a commissioner for Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori and has received a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to theatre, film and television, a Woman of Influence Award and was 2020 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year.

A Past That Lives and Breaths is part ofHamLit 2025 – a captivating literary weekend where authors from around the motu come together with local talent to cultivate sparkling conversations and air fresh ideas in the beautiful environs of the Hamilton Gardens.

Book for three or more shows in a single transaction and receive a 15% discount.

Bring a hat, water and sunscreen.