Passengers is a landmark four-part series celebrating early immigration by ship through the stories of the first passengers to arrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As an island nation, New Zealand has been shaped not just by the oceans but by the ships that have carried people to our shores over the centuries. Most of these journeys have been long forgotten, but an incredible record of some survive at Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga in Wellington.

Using passenger lists as our starting point, the series uncovers stories of ships and the fascinating voyages that brought people of diverse cultural backgrounds to New Zealand.

Hosted by Sonia Gray. Made with the support of NZ On Air.