Shipwreck - The Tragedy of the Boyd

This first episode from the historical 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 Māori slaughtered more than 60 passengers and crew. The incident — and the cannibalism that followed — set off a chain reaction of tragedy that severely strained early Māori-Pākehā relations for decades. Gittins carefully examines the lead-up to the attack. Recreations, archival material and an interview with former Race Relations Conciliator Hiwi Tauroa all provide further context.

Last week's opener about the crew of the Boyd who were slaughtered and eaten in 1809 by Whangaparoa Māori was a cracker. It was a tale of utu, cultural insensitivity and spelling errors, and one of the beauties of having an oral tradition is there are Māori who can recount and explain — in this case former Race Relations Conciliator Hiwi Turoa, whose home overlooks the wreck site.

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

Key Cast & Crew

Tony Manson

Producer

John Milligan

Director, Writer

Paul Gittins

Presenter

Christine Munro

Editor

Denene Marten

Production Coordinator

Michael O'Connor

Cinematographer