What's the Use of History?
This talk is about the unexpected consequences of curiosity. The speaker will explain how he was side-tracked from his ‘proper’ academic research into a neglected topic in New Zealand history. This produced a book, Black November: the 1918 Influenza Pandemic in New Zealand (1988; second enlarged edition 2005), which later provided the Ministry of Health with a worst-case scenario for New Zealand’s 2016 Pandemic Plan.
The main lesson from the 1918 influenza pandemic was the need to respond quickly and decisively to any new pandemic threat. New Zealand’s prompt response to the COVID pandemic in early 2020 undoubtedly saved many lives, in contrast to the delay, denial, and confusion in most other countries. When faced with a major health crisis, it is useful to know what went wrong last time. Historians have their uses.
Bio
Dr Geoffrey Rice lectured in European History at the University of Canterbury from 1973, retiring in 2012 after becoming Professor and Head of Department. He has published 15 sole-authored non-fiction books and seven edited or co-authored volumes. He is secretary of the Canterbury History Foundation and is currently working on medical men in nineteenth century Christchurch. He was appointed ONZM in 2021.
Event
Tuesday 2 May, 6pm @Pegasus Arms, 14 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central 8011
*This talk will take place on the 2nd Floor of the Pegasus Arms, which is only accessible via stairs. If you have any accessibility requirements, please email alumni@canterbury.ac.nz.
Also speaking at this location at 7.30pm is Simon Kingham
