Lost in Translation 8 - The Waikato-Manukau and Printed Sheets (episode eight)

In this episode, Mike King follows not one but two of the nine treaty sheets —  the copies of the Treaty of Waitangi signed by Māori chiefs in the 1840s. King explores the history of the two linked sheets — one in English, one in te reo. He heads to the lands of Waikato Tainui, and Manukau in South Auckland, and with treaty expert Claudia Orange, probes the mystery of why some Māori signed the English sheet. He also meets ex Waitangi Tribunal chair Joe Williams, learns about the birth of the Kīngitanga, and asks some Ngāti Tahinga people if their ancestors really knew what they were signing, all those years ago.

These days, Port Waikato is a sleepy little spot, famous for its abundance of kaimoana. But in 1840 it was humming. There was a bustling Anglican mission station on this spot: it had a farm, a timber mill, a bakery, a church, and a school so big that 700 students took their exams here in 1839.

– Mike King describes Port Waikato, early in this episode

Key Cast & Crew

Lloyd Canham

Sound Mix

Bruce Morrison

Co-Director

Claudia Orange

Historical Advisor

Mike King

Presenter

Haunui Royal

Co-Director

Nevak Rogers

Co-Director, Associate Producer, Research