Histories of Hate: The Radical Right in Aotearoa New Zealand

by Matthew Cunningham (Editor), Paul Spoonley (Editor), Marinus La Rooij (Editor)

Histories of Hate explores intolerance and extremism in Aotearoa New Zealand, from the emergence of the precursors to the radical right during British settlement in the late nineteenth century to today’s QAnon conspiracists and keyboard warriors. A definitive, benchmark text, this volume sheds light on the social and cultural intolerances that continue to shape New Zealand society to this day.

Genres: Nonfiction

444 pages, Paperback

Published February 28, 2023

Reviews

[Sarah]

Not an easy read but worth it! I feel more equipped now to try and challenge some of the myths that rise again and again in Aotearoa NZ - Peter Meihana's chapter on the origins of anti-treatyism highlighted many of the 'arguments' that are bandied about on social media. The chapters on the rise of white supremacy are particularly disturbing and I hope NZers maintain the sense to keep this element out of NZ politics as has been done so to the most part so far.

[Kay Jones]

As a collection of essays, some are good if overly wordy. Some feel dated or insufficiently thorough. Although Naomi Klein's Doppelganger is US focused I felt more informed after reading than than I did after reading (most of) this. I skipped some parts that felt too familiar from other books and articles.

[Joe]

Predominantly good, though, as with any work from multiple contributors, quality can be variable. Important points are made, though not always in a way that acknowledges their importance.