Shipwreck - The Tragedy of the Boyd

This episode of Greenstone Pictures' documentary series about maritime misfortune recounts the fate of the Boyd — a shipwreck created by a bloody act of revenge. Presenter Paul Gittins travels to Whangaroa Harbour in the Far North where, in 1809, local Maori slaughtered more than 60 passengers and crew. This savagery — and the cannibalism that followed — severely strained early Maori-Pakeha relations for decades. Gittins carefully examines the lead-up to the attack and former Race Relations Conciliator, and local resident, Hiwi Tauroa provides further context.

Last week's opener about the crew of the Boyd who were slaughtered and eaten in 1809 by Whangaparoa Maori was a cracker [...]. The advance publicity blather about Shipwreck hadn't sounded too promising, and a polite distance from the America's Cup triumph was surely necessary, but it just goes to show that there's nothing like a damned good yarn.

– Fiona Rae reviewing the series in The NZ Herald, 30 June 2000

Key Cast & Crew

Paul Gittins

Presenter

John Milligan

Director, Writer

Tony Manson

Producer

Michael O'Connor

Cinematographer

Christine Munro

Editor

Mike McCree

Sound