In 2019, Aotearoa New Zealand will acknowledge 250 years since the first onshore meetings between Māori and Europeans. Tuia – Encounters 250 (Tuia 250) is the national commemoration that recognises this milestone in our history.
This is a time to share, debate and reflect – to enable a more balanced telling of our stories, so that we speak openly and respectfully about our history. Use Tuia 250 as an opportunity to hold some honest conversations about Māori and European settlement of New Zealand to guide us as we go forward together.
The National Programme
The main components of the national programme will be:
- National opening events in Gisborne in early October 2019
- A three-month voyage that will see 8 vessels (waka hourua/double-hulled voyaging canoes, the Endeavour replica, New Zealand’s tall ships and naval ships) visit sites of significance to Māori/Pacific and European voyaging around the country (Oct-Dec 2019)
- National education programme for schools delivered by the Ministry of Education.
- These will be complemented by regional programmes of events and legacy projects aligned with the themes and aims of the commemoration that will provide economic, social, environmental and cultural benefit to communities.
The voyage
The Tuia 250 Voyage will see a flotilla of vessels, including waka hourua, va’a tipaerua, heritage vessels and their crews voyaging to and engaging communities throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Tuia 250 Voyage will promote the exceptional feats of Pacific, Māori and European voyaging that brought us together, while providing an opportunity to reflect on our complex history of migration and settlement, and a platform for us to think about how we navigate the future together.
