1959, Keith Sinclair: History maker

Keith Sinclair's history was a pathfinding book. (Marti Friedlander)

Keith Sinclair's book A History of New Zealand was published in 1959 and, for decades to come, was the standard general history of the country.

Not only did it discuss the emergence of New Zealand nationalism and ideas of the national character - such as modesty, courage and individualism - but it gave due respect to Maori people and their issues.

It was a pathfinding book with ideas that other historians - such as Claudia Orange, Judith Binney, James Belich and Michael King - built on and challenged.

Looking back at Sinclair's career, the Herald commented that dedication to historical truth put him at odds with some recent reinterpretations of New Zealand's past.

"As a pioneer of recognition of the Maori point of view, he was well-qualified to criticise the modern inclination to romanticise one side of racial conflict and judge the other by sensibilities of the present."

But perhaps the most telling comment came from fellow historian W.H. Oliver who, when Sinclair died, was phoned by a naive reporter asking "was Sir Keith Sinclair important as an historian?"

"He made New Zealand history," was Oliver's reply.

Oliver told the anecdote as part of his eulogy to Sinclair. "Of course I did not mean that quite literally," he added, "many others had a hand in it, and many of them benefited from his encouragement . . . Still, the statement may stand.

"In at least two senses of the word, history would not be quite the same again."
So Keith Sinclair is our New Zealander of the Year for writing history ... and for making it.

Further reading:
Biography of Keith Sinclair, New Zealand Book Council

'Keith Sinclair: Poet, historian, inspirational teacher, top New Zealander', Auckland University Press

'Obituary: Sir Keith Sinclair', The Independent, 4 August 1993