< December 2019 newsletter


MythBusters Corner

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.

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RELATED ARTICLES


The Founding of the City of Auckland

Auckland, also known as Tamaki Makau Rau or Tāmaki Makaurau, was originally a Māori settlement. New Zealand’s first Governor, William Hobson, established Auckland as the nation’s capital in 1841 on land offered by Ngāti Whātua, following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Continue reading

Ports of Auckland continues to defend made-up history

Our working group has been campaigning to have the new memorial plaque on the Ports of Auckland frontage removed and replaced with one that reflects the facts. As outlined in the August edition of our newsletter, the Ports of Auckland say they are happy with the wording on the plaque and do not intend to change it. The plaque erroneously states "Te Kawau gifted 3000 acres to establish the City of Auckland." It replaces a plaque which referred to a purchase rather than a gift. Continue reading

The Ports Of Auckland Assist Ngati Whatua In Rewriting History

Further indication of how far Auckland Council is prepared to go to promote Maori interests is illustrated by the new memorial plaque on the Ports of Auckland frontage.  Despite documentary evidence to the contrary, Ports of Auckland has backed Ngati Whatua’s attempt to re write history - the truth be damned! Continue reading

Ports of Auckland continues to defend the peddling of a Myth

The new memorial plaque on the Ports of Auckland frontage, on Quay St, states "Te Kawau gifted 3000 acres to establish the City of Auckland." It replaces a plaque which referred to a purchase rather than a gift. Continue reading

Countering the re-writing of history

In response to a claim by Ngarimu Blair of Ngati Whatua o Orakei that the land on which Auckland University's Epsom campus is situated was part of a “gift” of land to the Crown in 1841, (see NZ Herald 30 Sept HERE), we have contacted Archives NZ, and have received a copy of the Deed of Sale for this - the Waitemata to Manukau block. The deed confirms the land was sold, and not only the land, but also mentions “the whole of the water, and everything above and below the land.” (If you would like a copy of the deed, please email us at: [email protected]) Continue reading

Re-writing of history continues unabated

Despite being presented with evidence that shows there is no doubt the land was sold, the CEO of Ports of Auckland (POA) is choosing to stand by the story that the land for the founding of Auckland was “gifted” by Ngati Whatua Orakei, as stated on the commemorative plaque on Quay St. This issue has been taken up with the Mayor of Auckland.  His reply was to take this up with the POA directly. So back to square one. Continue reading

Ports of Auckland defends the peddling of a myth

The new memorial plaque on the Ports of Auckland frontage, Quay St, states "Te Kawau gifted 3000 acres to establish the City of Auckland." It replaces a plaque which referred to a purchase rather than a gift. Factual evidence shows that there is no doubt the land was sold. In an attempt to set the record straight, several of our members have contacted the CEO of Ports of Auckland, Tony Gibson, requesting that the plaque be corrected to reflect the facts. Continue reading