Captain Cook seeks new name
A Dunedin pub named after Captain James Cook is set to change, with the owner exploring Ma¯ori names.
Those urging him to change the name were ‘‘being hurt in the way those who wanted me to hang on to the name are not going to be’’, owner Michael McLeod told Stuff about the name change. ‘‘Whatever way I went, I would cop criticism.’’
The name change is one of many reactions to global Black Lives Matter protests, sparked by the death of George Floyd in police custody on May 25 in the United States. The Cook, as it is known locally, has stood on the corner of Great King and Albany streets since 1878.
McLeod said he had thought about changing the name when he started the venture – which boasted The Captain Cook Hotel
Gastro Pub downstairs pub and The Cook – music venue, upstairs.
‘‘I’ve never been especially attached to British colonialism, so it has never really represented me.’’
A couple of years ago he discussed with some friends about potentially changing the name. The Black Lives Matter protests had pushed that idea to the forefront, coupled with people ‘‘urgently demanding I change the name’’.
While a name change may happen in the next week, McLeod wanted to speak with local iwi leaders first. McLeod noted that some social media posts were quite ‘‘disturbing’’, accusing the venue owner of supporting genocide, and ‘‘an ignorant racist’’.
Others threatened to boycott McLeod’s live music venue, which is already struggling due to Covid19. ‘‘I think that could have been more constructive, someone could have called and had a conversation.’’
It wasn’t the first time McLeod had fought over the name, with lawyers representing former bar owners once threatening legal action over him using the name.
McLeod said during that legal battle he filed a copyright over the name. He has the rights to the name for the duration of his lease.
McLeod used to own both the downstairs and upstairs businesses, but last year sold the bottom bar and restaurant – known as The Captain Cook Hotel Gastro Pub – to the pizza chain Sal’s.
Noted historian and anthropologist Anne Salmond told Stuff in a 2019 interview that Cook was one of the world’s greatest explorers, but on the other hand, ‘‘Captain Cook has become an icon of imperial history’’.