The Story of New Zealand

Authors: Judith Bassett, Keith Sinclair and Marica Stenson

From the inside front flap: "The history of a country is the story of its people and the changes in their lives. This book tells the story of New Zealand in a new way, paying greater attention to the lives of the ordinary people and their families than other histories have done. It also includes the previously untold stories of many of the young people who came to New Zealand, and tells of their role in its development. All the characters you would expect to find are here: Hone Heke, Governor Grey, Richard Seddon, Princess Te Puea, and Maui. In addition there are people who are less well known, such as Young Nick, Who had his part to play in the discovery of New Zealand; the young Te Taniwha, who saw Captain Cook; and Christina McIlvride, who delivered the mail. With its wealth of information, The Story of New Zealand is a valuable source of material on New Zealand's social history. Above all, it is entertaining and interesting, a book which will be read with enjoyment by people of all ages."

National Library of NZ Entry (Pictured above is the 2002 reprint)

If I had to recommend a single New Zealand history book for children, The Story of New Zealand would be it. Among my favorites, this vibrant, engaging narrative stands out as a living history that stretches from the distant past to the present day. While A.H. Reed’s readable take on New Zealand history is on my list to compare, homeschoolers seeking a dynamic and comprehensive introduction to the nation’s story should start here.

The book unfolds across 17 chapters, beginning with “A Land of Birds,” a brief look at New Zealand before human arrival. Chapters 2 and 3 explore the coming of Māori and European explorers, while 4 through 6 cover early colonial life, including the Treaty of Waitangi. Chapters 7 and 8 shift focus to social history, painting vivid portraits of immigrants, pioneers, Māori, and gold diggers. The New Zealand Wars take center stage in Chapter 9, followed by 10 and 11, which navigate the late 19th century—boom and bust, industrialization, farming, women’s suffrage, the eruption of Mount Tarawera, and Prime Minister Seddon’s tenure. Chapters 12 and 13 spotlight the war years, New Zealand’s rise as a farming powerhouse, and Māori cultural resurgence. From the World Wars and the Depression to the prosperity of the 1950s and 60s, Chapters 14 through 17 trace the growth of the welfare state, the Labour Party’s influence, and soaring living standards. The final chapters tackle modern challenges: adapting to a global economy, nuclear debates, the shift to MMP voting, and glimpses of life for today’s youth.

This summary only skims the surface. The authors deftly blend political milestones with rich social history, offering a well-rounded sense of both what happened and how it felt to live through it. What sets this book apart is its handling of the later chapters. New Zealand’s post-World War II history is often dismissed as uneventful—no revolutions or civil wars to spice it up—but Bassett, Sinclair, and Stenson prove otherwise. They breathe life into the rise of farming, the Seddon and Savage governments, and the welfare state’s evolution, illuminating why New Zealand is the nation it is today.

Visually, the book shines with photos, illustrations, maps, charts, and primary source quotes, enhancing the storytelling. The reading level suits late primary to early-mid high school, yet its narrative flows like a story—not a dry textbook—making it a joy to read independently or aloud.

Here are examples of pages from the book...

Content Considerations: As with any history, violence and sensitive themes arise. Written with children in mind, the book handles these delicately, but sensitive readers may benefit from a parental preview of certain chapters.

Availability: Good news—second-hand copies abound! Editions vary slightly in cover design but remain consistent inside. Check local used bookstores, where they typically range from $10-$20.

Copies are available online. Book Express is an excellent New Zealand online secondhand retailer. Otherwise, check the link below.

Purchase this book (AbeBooks)