NZ’s dark secrets need light

If we are to ascribe 21st century morality to past misdeeds, then it is time we had a robust, mature discussion regarding slavery in Aotearoa/New Zealand. While there is little recorded history on New Zealand slavery, there is good evidence it occurred up to and including the Land Wars of the mid 19th century.

The evidence indicates that while most New Zealand slaves were Māori, there were occasional instances of Pākehā slaves such as army deserter Kimble Bent. Also linked to slavery was the near extermination of the Moriori people on the Chatham Islands.

There would appear to be a strong case for the inclusion of New Zealand slavery in the secondary schools’ curriculum.

Like many countries we have some dark secrets in our past.

Murray Dear, Hamilton.