from Kapiti News
Renowned military historian Chris Pugsley, who is also an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, initially wrote the book, titled Kiwis in Conflict, 28 years ago with the help of Laurie Barber, Buddy Mikaere, Nigel Prickett and Rose Young.
Each team member had varying skills – such as Mikaere who wrote the book’s Māori perspective.
Originally the book was named Scars on the Heart and was put out alongside a military display on the top floor of Auckland Museum that the team had curated in 1996. It was revised for the first time in 2008 when it was renamed to its title today.
About four years ago the publisher Bateman Books asked for it to be reprinted again, but Pugsley wanted to ensure it would be up to date.
The book delves into the history of New Zealanders in wars, starting in the early 1800s when muskets were first introduced up to today.