Wellington songwriter looks back at a key moment in New
Zealand history.  
Inspired by David Grant’s book The Big Blue, along with his own parents’ experiences, Wellington’s Chris Prowse has written and recorded 11 new songs to tell the story of the 1951 New Zealand waterfront dispute which found local dock workers striking for better wages. As the opening track reveals with its archival recording of then-Prime Minister Sidney Holland, the workers had their work cut out for them as the government essentially declared war on the union. Prowse’s songs give a glimpse into what life was like back then and reveals the support from fellow union workers across the Tasman (Our Mates from Australia), the shameful attitude the newspapers took (Media Watch) and how families were forced to make do (I was a Warfie’s Kid). In addition to the music, Prowse has filled the accompanying booklet with archival photos and historical facts to fill out the story.
Prowse gets some musical help from his daughter Eva and fellow Wellington singer Bill Hickman. All in all it’s a fascinating piece of Kiwi history, presented in a uniquely
Kiwi fashion.