Author and researcher Linda Hansen will kick off the Society’s 2026 program covering the research behind her book Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet (2025)
- Starting at 7.30pm, Tuesday 10 February.
- In the Kapiti Uniting Church Hall in Weka Road, Raumati Beach.
- Everyone is welcome with a koha.
- Spread the word and bring your family and friends.
In her latest non-fiction book, local author Linda Hansen has brought together a selection of stories generally absent from our history books, true accounts of those who dared to choose social justice over violence, and whose love of life lifted them above any private goals. Concealed for political and social reasons, they are finally told in what author Mandy Hager is calling a succinct and timely celebration of the strength of nonviolence.
Dr. Marilyn Waring, Patron of The Peace Foundation has commented, I wish I’d had this resource as a young woman. Linda’s several novels feature mostly young people carrying out audacious acts of conservation and caring. Their activism extends from endangered orangutans to trafficked girls; from factory-farmed animals to kids bullied in the schoolyard.
In her talk Linda will speak about the efforts involved in not only gathering these accounts but also gaining the essential cultural and family permissions. Linda’s research background was gained in workplaces ranging from Parliament’s research units where she was deputy director, to Volunteer Service Abroad. She has also lectured at Massey Wellington and other universities.
Linda had a long association with the former Friends of Kapiti Libraries and enjoys the company of authors in the Kapiti Writers’ Group.
Our December speaker was David Grant
David gave a fascinating talk on the appalling treatment of conscientious objectors in World War One.
Conscientious objectors were people who opposed the country’s involvement in World War One and refused to serve in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Many agitated strongly against the war holding rallies, meetings and handing out pamphlets. They were regarded as “shirkers” by many and a number were imprisoned for their beliefs.
In August 1916 the Military Service Act brought in conscription, and although men could be exempted on health grounds or because they worked in essential industries, objecting on the basis of personal beliefs was not sufficient grounds for not joining up.
In 1917 fourteen of those imprisoned were sent to the Western Front battlefield and badly maltreated, see this post
Confirmed speakers and topics for later in the year
10 March – Virginia Mckenzie talking about her mother Lillian Bilocca and the Triple Trawler Tragedy in Hull, due to unforseen circumstances.
9 June – Paul Callister talking about the Ahu Ahu ohu Commune within a wider context of thinking around that time.
14 July – Bruce Taylor talking about provincial and inter-city passenger rail travel from 1950.
We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 10 February when Linda Hansen will be speaking on her book Hidden Stories of Heroism for a Peaceful Planet at the Kapiti Uniting Church Hall.
Roger Childs, Gordon Dickson, Lindsay Madden, David Hadfield
Coordinators of the Kapiti Historical Society