Brits to voice ‘regret’ over iwi deaths
THE British Government will today convey a formal expression of regret to Gisborne iwi for deaths involving Captain James Cook 250 years ago, in ceremonies shrouded in secrecy.
The expressions of regret will be made by British High Commissioner Laura Clarke in private marae meetings but will stop short of an apology.
Such is the sensitivity of today’s events, there is no intention for Ms Clarke to put her words in writing or for her to repeat what she says inside the marae once she leaves.
The intention is that the expression of regret becomes part of the history of the iwi concerned and that they determine how it is shared and with whom.
Ms Clarke will hold two meetings in Gisborne; the first with Ngati Oneone about noon, and then with the three Turanga iwi — Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, and Te Aitanga a Mahaki a few hours later.
Some of their ancestors were among the nine Maori killed or wounded in Cook’s first landing in New Zealand in 1769.
Because of the sensitive nature of today’s event, the British High Commission has not issued any notice of it and has sworn the iwi involved to secrecy.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Minister for Maori Crown Relations Kelvin Davis are due to visit Poverty Bay at the weekend for events to mark Cook’s arrival.
It is understood there were initial discussions about the New Zealand Government joining the British Government in expressing regret for the deaths.
The New Zealand Government’s position was that not only was there no New Zealand Government at the time, but expressions of regret and apologies were made to iwi as part of the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process.
Ngati Oneone leader Te Maro was shot dead by one of Cook’s men on October 8, the first day of landing, possibly while taking part in a ceremonial challenge, history texts have suggested.
The following day the Rongowhakata chief Te Rakau was killed and others wounded, and later that day several more Maori were killed. Cook headed north from there and more Maori were killed in confrontations at Mercury Bay and the Cavalli Islands.
The Tuia250 events marking 250 years since Cook’s arrival have been dogged in controversy.
The iwi hosting the British Government today have refused to take part in a welcome for a replica of Cook’s Endeavour which is due to visit Gisborne next week as part of a flotilla of tall ships and ocean voyaging waka.
It is not known whether the ceremony will change that, but the Gisborne District Council will be hosting the welcome to Endeavour and others. — The New Zealand Herald