Lost in Translation 7 - The East Coast Sheet (episode seven)

In this TV series, Mike King explores the history of the nine treaty sheets —  copies of the Treaty of Waitangi that circulated around Aotearoa, as signatures were gathered. In this episode King follows the East Coast treaty sheet, visiting descendants of key players like chief Te Kani-ā-Takirau, evangelist Piripi Taumata-ā-Kura, and energetic missionary William Williams. King learns how the return of slaves thought dead became a turning point for both the treaty and the gospel on the East Coast. From Tūranga (Gisborne), to Tokomaru, from Te Kaha to Tolaga Bay, King follows the eastern coastline gathering stories and insights. 

...he would get the Māori together and say 'don’t sell your land —you need your land: your land's your livelihood, you’re gonna need that for future generations' ... and some of the settlers, they weren’t happy about that, and they wouldn’t come along to his services for a while. They came around eventually...

– Author Iain Gillies on what Reverend William Williams told East Coast Māori (early in this episode)

Key Cast & Crew

Dianne Lindesay

Writer, Producer

Lloyd Canham

Sound Mix

Swami Hansa

Cinematographer

Mike King

Presenter

Phil Wallington

Writer

Haunui Royal

Director