Elizabeth Ward

I work for the Marlborough District Council, where I manage the heritage unit. I have extensive experience in both historical research and teaching, specialising in New Zealand social and political history, with a particular focus on the first half of the 20th century. I am well-versed in self-directed research and have led numerous independent projects.

My areas of expertise include political history, rural history, the history of education, and the history of childhood. My PhD was on the origins of the Reform Party and my master’s thesis examined an Anglican-run children’s home,

I have also contributed to projects related to the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum and have a strong understanding of both the curriculum itself and broader issues related to historical consciousness.

I particularly enjoy projects that involve both research and writing, although I have also worked on projects with diverse outputs such as photographic displays, booklets, and newspaper articles. I am available for speaking engagements and have presented at a number of local history events, including U3A.

In addition, I work in the field of oral history and am available for projects in this area.