This was no fairy tale
First contact was a landmark in our history, but for many there’s no cause to celebrate, writes Kelvin Davis.
To navigate a better future for Aotearoa, we first have to understand where we have been. On October 6, 1769, Captain James Cook sighted New Zealand and two days later landed at Tu¯ ranganui-a-Kiwa. When he first came ashore the iwi of Tu¯ ranga were ready to welcome him. Te Maro of Nga¯ ti Rakai (now Nga¯ ti Oneone), a prominent leader in the area, was among them. A haka was performed – and received as an act of aggression. Te Maro was shot dead.
The following day, Rongowhakaata rangatira Te Rakau and warriors from across the region travelled into
Tu¯ ranganui-a-Kiwa and led a second haka in opposition to the murder of Te Maro. There are records of upwards of eight deaths and many more wounded.
These were the first encounters between Ma¯ ori and Pa¯ keha¯ , as told by iwi. Encounters tainted by bloodshed and misunderstanding.
It is stories like these that are for some uncomfortable and confronting – but they are stories that need to be told.
In February this year, the prime minister gave me ministerial responsibility for the commemorations programme Tuia – Encounters 250 .Iknewa national conversation, acknowledging 250 years since the first onshore meetings between Ma¯ ori and Europeans, would not be an easy one to have.
Some would argue that this milestone should be celebrated.
And indeed, through Tuia, we will celebrate the Pacific navigation and voyaging that was happening more than 1000 years ago. Aotearoa was not settled by chance, but by skilled voyagers who read the stars, the tides, the flightpaths of birds, and chose to come here.
That history is part of New Zealand’s story – and went largely untold until recent years.
The reality is the first encounters in our country between Cook and Ma¯ ori were not a fairy tale. For many this is simply not a celebration.
But it’s a chance for Ma¯ ori to share our histories and to tell of our loss, on a national stage and on our own terms. And it’s an opportunity to recognise the innovation, skill and ma¯ tauranga of our ancestors.
The Tuia 250 Voyage will see six vessels sail around the country as part of one flotilla. This includes waka hourua and Tahitian va’a tipaerua (doublehulled canoes), and sailing ships like the HMB Endeavour replica. The event takes place from October to December.
So far, I’ve met with local hapu¯ , iwi and landing site trusts at 14 of the 15 sites where the flotilla is scheduled to visit, each with their own unique story.
I wanted to hear directly from communities, to understand their aspirations for the commemorations, to discuss how we can honour the legacy of our tu¯ puna.
Not all Ma¯ ori had destructive encounters with the Endeavour. When Cook arrived at Te Whanganui o Hei/Mercury Bay, he and his crew remained in the area for 12 days, in which they observed the transit of Mercury, engaged in trade and at Wharekaho were given the first po¯ whiri accorded to Pa¯ keha¯ .
As you travel the country hearing stories like these recounted, that rich history is eye-opening – and I want Ma¯ ori to have the chance to tell the rest of New Zealand their story.
James Cook’s side of the story has been told for generations and has been celebrated many times in the past.
Fifty years ago, a giant inflatable of Cook’s head was paraded down the streets of Gisborne. ‘‘Spectacle, pageantry and parade’’ was reported by the local paper of the 1969 Cook Bicentennial Celebrations, which hosted a 21-gun salute and the re-enactment of the first missionaries coming into
Tu¯ ranganui-a-Kiwa.
Today, we are not the same country. We are ready to embrace that there was a thriving civilisation that existed in New Zealand when James Cook sailed to these shores.
We are ready to tell an honest history of this country to better understand who we are and what we want for our country’s future – and that is one thing worth celebrating.
It’s a chance for Ma¯ori to share our histories and to tell of our loss, on a national stage and on our own terms. Kelvin Davis