Presenter: Dr Linda Bryder
Title: The 1918 Influenza Epidemic
Abstract:
What can the 1918 influenza epidemic teach us about how societies respond when a health crisis changes everyday life?
This talk will focus on New Zealand’s responses to the 1918 influenza epidemic, which remains the largest natural disaster in modern history. The recent COVID pandemic drew attention to the 1918 outbreak, and while there are many resonances to discuss, the different historical contexts remain important.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand how New Zealand responded to the 1918 epidemic: Explore the public health measures, community responses and social impacts of one of the most significant crises in the country’s modern history.
- Consider the parallels and the important differences between 1918 and more recent pandemics: Reflect on what has changed in medicine, communication and society, and why historical context matters when comparing major health emergencies.
Date:
This History workshop will run on Tuesday 6th October from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
Venue:
We're delighted to be hosting this workshop at Alberton, one of Auckland's finest heritage homes. Built in 1863 and beautifully preserved by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Alberton offers a unique glimpse into Victorian life and provides the perfect backdrop for exploring history, art and culture.
About the expert
Dr Linda Bryder
A New Zealander by birth, Emeritus Professor Linda Bryder gained her DPhil at the University of Oxford in 1985. She taught in the History Department of the University of Auckland from 1988 to 2026, lecturing on general New Zealand history, New Zealand social welfare history, and the history of health and medicine in the Western world. She has published widely, with research interests in the history of tuberculosis, infant health and reproductive health. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society New Zealand Te of Apārangi.
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