History making a difference: New approaches from Aotearoa

Abstract

How the pursuit of history involves making a difference is the theme explored in this volume. Leading and emerging scholars, activists, and those working in the public sector, archives and museums bring their expertise, beliefs, passion and honesty to provide both useful direction and informed debate. They offer up new approaches to history that traverse the geographical regions of Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, the Pacific and Britain. While a common theme unites the chapters, authors employ a wide range of methodological approaches: social, cultural, Māori, oral, race relations, religious, public, political, economic, visual and material history are all represented. Likewise, the authors use a diversity of styles to express their perspectives and their work, and co-authorship and collaboration is a common feature. Demonstrative of the state of historiography in Aotearoa/New Zealand, grand narratives, parochialism, and writing with unfettered confidence and authority have made way for dynamic, internationally engaged, and locally situated work. Historians engage with interdisciplinary work, especially in postcolonial, intersectional and cultural studies. Taken together, the chapters in this volume reinvigorate historical dialogue and debate. They engage with uncomfortable and difficult issues. As well as questioning current and past practices, they dare to offer new ways of thinking and working. Challenging power and privilege, the historical co-production of knowledge and public and material histories are important new approaches in the historiography. It is a sign of maturity that multiple perspectives are represented through these pages. Proceeding with care, it is time for dialogue and collaboration.