Reflections and Recollections of a White Native

In 1999 historian Michael King updated his earlier book Being Pākehā (1985) with a new publication - Being Pākehā Now: Reflections and Recollections of a White Native. No one had written anything like it. It was a controversial and ground-breaking publication and like most of King’s books, hugely popular. Twenty years on, the conversation started by King is just as relevant today. The session is introduced by Michael King’s friend and colleague the pioneering broadcaster Tainui Stephens.

Michael King’s contribution to the study of NZ Aotearoa history is enormous. He was one of New Zealand's leading historians and biographers. In 2006 he was named one of 100 most important New Zealanders that have ever lived. He published more than 34 books and won a wider range of awards for his books, journalism and television work, than any other New Zealand writer. His awards include: The Prime Minister’s Award for literary achievement, Montana Medal for non-fiction (twice), The MontanaBook Awards Reader’ Choice (twice), Review of the Year (twice). He was a Robert Burns Fellow and held the Katherine Mansfield Memorial Fellowship.

His last publication, The Penguin History of New Zealand, has sold more than 200,000 copies and is widely considered to be the definitive history of New Zealand. His work in literary biography, particularly Wrestling With the Angel, his Janet Frame book received great critical acclaim. He was a frequent commentator on bicultural relations and helped Pākehā to understand what it is to be Pākehā and to understand, appreciate and value tikanga Māori.

At the very pinnacle of his career he and his wife were killed in a car accident.

Michael was a stalwart supporter of Going West appearing in multiple sessions throughout our first decade.

In this session King laments that New Zealand history is not compulsory in schools, something that is only just happening 20 years later.

“Michael King’s contribution to New Zealand society and culture has been incomparable. In his recording of the history of our country and its people he leaves us all a legacy of lasting worth.”

- William Taylor

“Michael King - through his writings, his scholarship and his generous spirit - has made us understand more clearly what it is to be a New Zealander. And ultimately, his life has made us better New Zealanders. We all mourn his passing.”

- Peter Biggs, former Chair of Creative New Zealand.