James Watson is Associate Professor in History at Massey University. He has taught a wide range of papers, principally in New Zealand and international history, since arriving there in 1987.

His research interestsare largely focused on the relationship between New Zealand and the United Kingdom, particularly in the twentieth century, but also include rural history and the history of technology. His most recent book was W.F. Massey: New Zealand in the Haus Makers of the Modern World series on the Paris Peace Conference. He is currently writing a book on the New Zealand home front, as part of the First World War Centenary History series.