Join Richard Willis, Victoria University Senior Associate, School of Geography, Environment, and Earth Sciences, as he gives us fascinating insight into the rich and varied history of the South
Island’s West Coast.
We’ll hear about the main historical phases of the settlement and development of the West Coast region: from Māori settlement, through pakeha exploration, the Gold Rushes period, the development and disasters of Coal Mining, the difficulties of farming the Pakihi and the growth of dairy, the importance of tourism, and coping with natural hazards.
Richard will also take us through the significant literature, cinema and sports figures from the region.
This talk is an introduction to the historical geography of the West Coast that will be visited in the coming March 2026 Friends tour: Tour of Taranaki and Tongariro – Friends of Te Papa
Richard Willis has lectured in human and European geography at Victoria University Te Herenga Waka and led the annual ‘Geographies of New Zealand’ field trip for over 50 years. He grew up in Taranaki, which was also the site of the first conflict between British troops and Maori, and this is where he takes his University class. Richard has run a small business Richard Willis Academic Tours, for about 10 years and is now semi-retired, but still teaches a summer paper at VUW.