Introduction
Dr Samuel Carpenter specialises in Church History with a focus on New Zealand religious and political history. He leads the Te Rongopai ki Aotearoa Project, researching relationships between Christianity and Māori society. A former lawyer and senior historian in the Wellington Treaty sector, Sam’s PhD (2021) explored early New Zealand political thought. He is also a founding trustee of Karuwhā Trust and maintains a public research presence via nzhistorian.com.
Quote
“I’m committed to helping students explore the intersections of Christianity, Māori society, and New Zealand history in ways that are both rigorous and meaningful.”
Something Personal
Sam is married to Hana and has four children. He enjoys gardening, sailing, and building a personal library of non-fiction and historical works.
Qualifications
PhD (History), Massey University, 2021
MA (History, Distinction), Massey University, 2009
PGDipArts (History, Distinction), Massey University, 2005
BA/LLB (Conjoint), University of Auckland, 2002
Diploma in Māori Language, Tai Tokerau Wānanga, 2010
Admitted Barrister and Solicitor, High Court of New Zealand, 2002
Professional Experience
Research and Professional Teaching Fellow, Laidlaw College
Leader, Te Rongopai ki Aotearoa Project
Senior historian, Office of Treaty Settlements & Waitangi Tribunal
Lawyer / Barrister, New Zealand
Books
2026 He Matakitenga Kura / In Their Words: Te Reo Māori Historical Documents Project. Te Wānanga Ihorangi and Laidlaw College, 2026. (Co-authored with Te Hira Paenga.)
Journal Essays
Edited Books
Whatua te Kākahu: Christianity, the Māori World and Colonialism in Aotearoa New Zealand. Edited by Samuel Carpenter, Bradford Haami and Tony Ballantyne. Te Herenga Waka University Press, 2026.
Book Chapters
"A Joint Work of Remembrance: the Treaty of Waitangi House and Monument at Te Tii Waitangi,” in Noble and Notorious: Contested Memorials, Statues and Place Names in Aotearoa New Zealand. Edited by John Griffiths and Adam Claasen (Routledge, 2026, forthcoming).
"Contested Ground: Henry Williams as Missionary, Peacemaker and Treaty Translator." In Whatua te Kākahu: Christianity, the Māori World and Colonialism in Aotearoa New Zealand. Edited by Samuel Carpenter, Bradford Haami and Tony Ballantyne. Te Herenga Waka University Press, 2026.
Quality Assured Magazines
“Te Whānau Wiremu ki Aotearoa: How the Williams’ Story has Shaped Christianity, Culture, and Nation in Aotearoa, New Zealand,” Stimulus 30, no. 1 (2023): Te Whānau Wiremu ki Aotearoa: How the Williams’… (hail.to)
Editorials
Anglican Journal of Theology in Aotearoa and Oceania 3, no. 1 (2024) on theme of “Missions, culture and colonialism in Aotearoa NZ and Beyond” (with Rosie Fyfe of NZCMS)
Newspaper Op-Eds
"Treaty Principles Bill: The principles need to remain tied to the historical Treaty," New Zealand Herald, 19 Nov. 2024
“Do both Te Tiriti and the Treaty belong in Te Papa?,” E-Tangata, 24 Mar. 2024: Do both Te Tiriti and the Treaty belong in Te Papa? | E-Tangata
“Aotearoa NZ Must Keep Pursuing Treaty Justice, Not Get Sidetracked by Doctrine of Discovery,” Newshub, 6 Aug. 2023: Opinion: Aotearoa NZ must keep pursuing treaty justice, not get sidetracked by Doctrine of Discovery | Newshub
Public Lectures
"Henry Williams and Peacemaking in Tauranga Moana," Tauranga, June 2026.
"Henry Williams-Karuwhā: the Shaping of a 19th Century English Missionary and His Te Tiriti Legacy," National Library of New Zealand, February 2025.
Conference Presentations
"Henry Williams’s intellectual formation in English Dissent," New Zealand Historical Association, University of Auckland, 2025.
Teaching & Expertise
New Zealand history
Church history
Māori society in historical context
History of thought and historical theology
British and Western imperial history
