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.

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......

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])

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!