Hosted jointly by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University's history programme and the Library, the lecture was delivered by historian Dr Peter Meihana, Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Ngāti Apa ki Te Rā Tō, Ngāi Tahu.
Dr Meihana's lecture, Towards a History of Rangitāne o Wairau, explored what a history of Rangitāne o Wairau might look like, drawing on years of research into Te Tauihu history and Māori historical narratives. His work has included research on representations of Ngāti Kuia, the origins of the foreshore and seabed debate in Te Tauihu and the history of Wairau Bar.
The lecture series recognises Professor W.H. (Bill) Oliver, the founding professor of history at Massey, who taught at the Manawatū campus from 1964 until 1983. During his career he authored The Story of New Zealand, edited The Oxford History of New Zealand and oversaw the first volume of the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.
Professor Oliver received an honorary Doctor of Literature from Massey in 2000. The lecture was established in 2007 to recognise his enduring contribution to history and the humanities, while the W.H. Oliver Humanities Research Academy followed in 2013
Associate Professor Geoff Watson says the annual lecture honours one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most influential historians while continuing to bring important historical research to a wider audience.
"Bill Oliver was committed to making New Zealand's history accessible to the public. Holding this lecture at the Palmerston North City Library reflects that commitment while recognising the library's important role as a repository of local history, including the history of Rangitāne."
Over nearly two decades the lecture has featured many of New Zealand's leading historians and scholars, including Professor Margaret Tennant, Sir Mason Durie, Professor Charlotte Macdonald, Professor Tony Ballantyne, Professor Michael Belgrave, Professor Lydia Wevers, Dr Jock Phillips, Distinguished Professor Paul Spoonley and Associate Professor Anna Clark.
This year's lecture also marked the conclusion of the second Scholars and Soup series, a partnership between Massey and the Library that showcases historical research for the wider community. Earlier presentations featured postgraduate student Suhaila Katavich, Professor Andrew Brown, Dr Watson and master's graduate in history Amos Ngo.
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