In the latest episode of the NZSA Oral History Podcast Series we hear from Tony Simpson.  Tony is an award-winner writer who has published seventeen books of New Zealand history.  He’s a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit and has held many fellowships and awards recognising his dedication to historical research.  Tony was also president of PEN NZ during the turbulent 1980’s, his blend of passionate trade union experience and his national writing success helping to form the NZSA as we know it today.

In this interview he opens up about his experiences with PEN NZ, being forced out of the Arts Council, fighting with Robert Muldoon and about his personal life.  He has clear opinions on his contemporary writers, politicians and publishers.  It’s a fascinating and moving episode.

New Zealand broadcaster, NZSA member and author Karyn Hay hosts the NZSA Oral History Podcast Series and takes us into a 2005 interview between Tony and Sarah Gaitanos.  

You can listen to all Season Two episodes of the NZSA Oral History Podcast Series as they are released on our website, Soundcloud, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  You can also use these links to listen to Season One episodes featuring Lauris Edmonds, Gordon McLauchlan, Dame Fiona Kidman, C.K. Stead, Kevin Ireland, Bernard Brown and Dame Christine Cole Catley.

Want to know more about the NZSA Oral History Podcast Series?  Read the NZ Herald article about the series on our website.