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.

He was a peacemaker, and yet a chief.

– Whangaroa local Hiwi Tauroa (Ngāti Kahu/Ngāpuhi) describes Chief Te Pahi, in part three

Key Cast & Crew

John Milligan

Director, Writer

Tony Manson

Producer

Paul Gittins

Presenter

Christine Munro

Editor

Denene Marten

Production Coordinator

Michael O'Connor

Cinematographer