The Colour of Our Country

The War Years

Rumours of war ignites both feelings of dread and excitement around New Zealand as the country prepares to follow Great Britain into what will become known as ‘the war to end all wars’. As the country empties of men, the consequences are felt on the Mokau, no more so than Middle River where those left behind are having to go back to the land to hold on to the dreams they once held so high.
Richard Murphy, Theo Twentyman, and Tama Ratahi, young men who have been friends since birth, ride out to Maryville above Middle River for their final pig hunt. But it doesn’t go to plan and how they respond will shape them for what’s to come, as they too sign up ‘for king and country’ and what they believe will be the adventure of a lifetime.
Reality tells a different story and baptised in blood fighting against the relentless Turks at Gallipoli, bad things happen to good men and many never leave alive. Those who do survive, go on to face the Ypres Salient, the Somme, and Passchendaele or return to New Zealand with broken spirits or missing limbs.
Expecting a hero’s welcome, they soon realise the New Zealand they arrive back to, is not the same country they left four years earlier. The common thread of war which held the country together has been replaced by political instability, social upheaval and the need to rebuild the country they fought for, whether it’s with the ballot box, or the fist. The mettle of the men is sorely tested as if this is not enough, they also face the onset of the Great Depression.
This is the story of the three likeable and humble men from their farms at Middle River who left home full of life, hope, and excitement on the promise of an easy victory and an early return. Men whose courage, convictions, and pure luck see them through the most darkest of times which changes not only themselves, but Middle River forever.