History of New Zealand

For the first time in history so far as we know, two European ships anchored in New Zealand waters on 18th December 1642. Although the Dutch owned rich possessions in the East Indies no European seamen had ventured south or east of New Holland, as Australia was then called prior to this time.

The search by this expedition was for new lands rich in gold and precious stones. Abel Tasman was in charge of the two ships, the Heemskerck and Zeehaen. They arrived a little to the south of what is now Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. They turned north without realising those shores where there was plenty of gold and coal. After four days they rounded the north-western tip of the South Island and anchored in the bay behind it.

The next morning a double canoe, with thirteen men aboard, put off from the shore and came within hailing distance of the ships. The Dutch held out cloth and knives to show that they wished to trade, but the Maoris could not be persuaded to come nearer and returned to shore. Tasman held a council on the Heemskerck, to which the officers of the Zeehaen were called. Messages were passed between the ships and the Zeehaen's cockboat was attacked the Maoris, who rammed it with their canoe. The Maoris killed three of the six men and seriously wounded a fourth. Tasman sailed away from 'Murderers' Bay. This is now known as Golden Bay. He continued his voyage northward...