Commenting on her latest storytelling project, LP Hansen says:
“Researching my book, An Unexpected Hero I uncovered little known links between many of the best-known peacemakers in these islands. These discoveries resulted in me developing a one-hour dramatic narrative session, Peacemakers in these Islands – from Rēkohu and Parihaka to the Nuclear Ban Treaty and Nobel Peace Prize (2017) and beyond. I wanted to show these peacemakers as part of a robust, ageless and ongoing tradition, not as rare, exalted individuals standing alone.
For six years, I’ve taken this illustrated oral storytelling presentation into primary and secondary schools where it’s been very well received, particularly in classes studying the New Zealand wars and Parihaka. I also tell the story at events such as education conferences and to community groups.
Other programmes I offer include themed storytelling for celebrations such as Matariki. I tell in venues from schools to retirement villages and also at birthday parties. I’m a member of storytelling groups, have written a book on storytelling and teach occasional classes. Click here to contact me for more information on any aspect of this wonderful art.”
Peacemakers of these Islands: Stories of Rēkohu, Parihaka and More
FEEDBACK ON STORYTELLING SESSION FOR YEAR 7-8 STUDENTS
As you know, at the time of your Session the students were willing to sit on the floor for almost an hour and listen to your story, and had lots of questions for you at the end. I wanted to send these later comments for your interest and as an extra to your feedback sheet.
The students loved the way you hooked them into the story with the tale of those early travellers and their turning to a peaceful way of living. They were fascinated to hear you speak of the Moriori people and Parihaka and the links between them.
Many of them commented on how interesting it was to hear more about their country’s long involvement in peacekeeping. It was quite a novelty to them, as was the impact this has had on the wider world.
They appreciated the pictures and map and other items and also noted the way you used pauses for dramatic effect and to allow them time to think about and digest what you had just said.
All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed your presentation. The students were clearly focused on what you had to say and although they sat listening for a long time they felt it was time well spent, interesting and entertaining.
Thanks again for giving us your precious time. It was truly appreciated.
Sally Ratchford, Team Leader
Kahikatea Team, Paremata School
June 2021
Peacemakers in these Islands: From Rēkohu and Parihaka to the Nobel Peace Prize 2017 and beyond
REFERENCE FOR SESSION
Your session was very appropriate for my Year 10 students as they have just started learning about the New Zealand wars and Parihaka. The early links between Parihaka and Rēkohu surprised and impressed them. They were also encouraged to learn the influence that such long-term commitment to non-violent ways of managing conflict had on Gandhi and others around the world. The positive impact still exerted by conscientious objectors like Archibald Baxter was new to them as well.
Finally, we all valued taking a fresh look at the significance of New Zealand’s role as a legally nuclear-free nation, how this was achieved and particularly how it has helped opened the way to the Nuclear Ban Treaty.
St. Peter’s College will certainly welcome you and your Peacemaker’s session when next you visit Palmerston North.
Hannah Nash
English and Social Studies Teacher
St Peter’s College
September 2019
Peacemakers in the Islands: from Rēkohu and Parihaka to the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize and beyond
REFERENCE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SESSION
Thank you very much for coming in and working with our students this week. Your presentation was informative and your enthusiasm in
presenting was well received by the twelve Year 9 groups. You obviously have a talent as a story teller!!
Your Session tied up really effectively with our work on Parihaka. We have a school-wide focus on endorsing and using their principles.
At present, there is some debate in our country that schools are not teaching enough NZ history and so our students are missing out on identity. Your session proves that wrong. The information you covered, as you said, was extensive – not only in quantity but as a vast, cohesive sweep across NZ and world history.
Once again, I appreciate your energy in presenting so passionately to our students.
Kate Jensen
Year 9 Dean Kapiti College
May 2019
Museums Wellington reference for Linda Hansen, Storyteller and Peacemaker
As Public Programmes Manager for Museums Wellington, I invited Linda Hansen to be a guest speaker during our weekend of Parihaka celebrations 5th – 6th November 2022.
Linda’s one-hour storytelling session highlighted peacemakers in Aotearoa from the past to the present time, including those from Parihaka.
Questions abounded at the end of her lively, illustrated story and the appreciative audience lingered for quite some time afterwards, talking and revisiting the topic.
Feedback confirms it was a beautiful presentation, celebrating nonviolence in this country in an engaging and wholly positive way.
Leilani A Sio
Public Programmes Whiz/ Kaiawhina Whakarite Hotaka
Museums Wellington
Whanganui Library recommends Linda Hansen as an experienced researcher and storyteller
Whanganui Library recommends Linda Hansen as an experienced researcher and storyteller offering a comprehensive presentation on peacemakers in Aotearoa New Zealand in a wide sweep across history: “Linda guided us through centuries of peacemaking right up to the present day. It’s accessible, riveting material that’s relevant to all ages. It’s also valuable to hear and understand how the universal peace principle extends across time and cultures,” said Learning and Discovery Librarian Esther Newrick.
The Library was seeking a public event to attract back audiences post-Covid-19. Written feedback after Linda’s session, held in the Alexander Heritage & Research Library | Te Rerenga Mai o Te Kāuru, confirms “it was very well received and a worthwhile event. Listeners learned a great deal about New Zealand’s lesser-known peace history and enjoyed a lively question and answer session at the end.”
Whanganui Library