One area where we have not been successful is in countering the claim that the land to establish the settlement of Auckland was gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. This is despite offering evidence to the contrary to the powers-that-be, - copy of the Deed of Purchase - the text of which clearly states that "the chiefs consented to give up to sell a portion of the land to the Queen of England for ever and ever......
It is unfortunate enough that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei continues to try to rewrite history – even in the face of evidence to the contrary - but it is inexcusable when a publicly owned company joins in, as the Ports of Auckland has done with a memorial plaque beside Quay St which states "Te Kawau gifted 3000 acres to establish the City of Auckland." It replaced a plaque which referred to a purchase rather than a gift:
"Here on Point Britomart on 18 September 1840 the British flag was raised in token of the purchase of the site of Auckland from the Ngati Whatua".
Help - more oomph needed!
As Auckland Council is the owner of the Ports of Auckland, they are remiss in their duty of care to ensure the question of ownership is accurately represented to the public. Please take the time to contact the Auckland mayor and councillors to point out the erroneous message on the current plaque, requesting that it be changed to reflect the fact that the land was purchased. The more who do so, the louder the message. This also applies to the CEO of the Ports of Auckland, Tony Gibson. His email address is: [email protected]
Recommended reading.
‘From Tamaki-Makau-Rau to Auckland’ by R. C. J. Stone.This meticulously researched book traces the history of the region from 800 years ago up until the 1840s, and includes details on the sale of the land by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and a copy of the Deed of Purchase.