GENTLE PIANO MUSIC PIANO MUSIC SWELLS August 25th 1839, and the sun seldom sets on the British Empire. Cpt William Hobson departs Plymouth, England. WONDROUS MUSIC After four months at sea, he arrives at Port Jackson, Australia. Three weeks later, he sets sail for his final destination. His mission: to make a treaty between the Crown and the native chiefs of NZ. EMPHATIC MUSIC SEAGULLS SQUAWK EMPHATIC MUSIC MEN CHANT IN MAORI (CHANTS IN MAORI) MEN CHANT IN MAORI (CHANTS IN MAORI) MEN CHANT IN MAORI (CHANTS IN MAORI) February 1840, and NZ is currently nota colony of Great Britain. It's home to the native NZers ? tangata whenua ? people of the land ? of whom there are approximately 100,000. There are also about 2000 tauiwi ? foreigners ? settlers, whalers, traders and missionaries who live here by the good graces of the local chiefs, who find some advantage in their presence. But with the arrival of Hobson and his treaty, all that would soon change. (SPEAKS MAORI) Heke Pokai, significant chief of the Ngapuhi, also known as Hone Heke. He attended the missionary school at Kerikeri, where he was found to be intelligent and troublesome. (SPEAKS MAORI) From my good friend Mr Busby. (SPEAKS MAORI) (CLEARS THROAT) (READS IN MAORI) 'My dear friend. I make contact with you again. 'A warship has arrived with a chief on board sent by the Queen of England 'to be a governor for us both. 'Now he suggests that all the chiefs of the confederation of NZ on Wednesday of this holy week coming 'should gather to meet him. From your dear friend,...' Aroha. '...Busby.' (SPEAKS MAORI) Heke's wife, Hariata Rongo, daughter of the late great and fearsome Ngapuhi chief Hongi Hika. He invites me to a meeting in my own land. TENSE MUSIC REPORTER: Excuse me? I can't stop. (PANTS) Hi. I was just wondering if? 'William Colenso, Church Missionary Society printer and naturalist.' Still no word from Busby. The situation has become most urgent. Thank you. 'Samuel Ironside, Wesleyan missionary.' SCOTTISH ACCENT: Still no sign. Nothing. SEAGULLS SQUAWK What's the man doing in there? There is but two days before the hui ? a meeting called to discuss relations between the British Crown and the natives of NZ and to bring about an agreement between the two peoples. But at this rate it'll be a miracle if there's a treaty at all. FIDDLE MUSIC James Busby, British resident and representative of the Crown in NZ... until now. In the last seven years, I've done everything I can to bring the civilising effect of the empire to these poor, ignorant, lawless savages. A man described as having made a full occupation of complaining. I was given neither troops nor any means of enforcing my position in this lawless place. Is His Excellency ready to continue? No, he's still, uh... ill-disposed. James Stuart Freeman, private secretary to Hobson, recently of Sydney, rumoured brothel owner. Once described as 'the most disgustingly immoral swindling scoundrel in town'. But lovely handwriting, apparently. This really can't wait. Do come in. Your Excellency, on the matter of the Treaty we are most? (GROANS) ...anxious? What's the matter with him? William Hobson, naval officer, the man commissioned to become NZ's first governor and not a well man. He had the most frightful breeze with the ship's captain over a matter of protocol. An argument? Mm. Since then... (GROANS) Can he even speak? Uh... Sir, the native chiefs are converging as per instructions. We need the Treaty now so that it can be translated in time. Otherwise, they may leave. It might prove impossible to get them back again. (GROANS) Is there a draft? Anything? My folio. His folio. Oh. A briefing from Lord Normanby of the Colonial Office and His Excellency's, uh, work in progress. Is this,... um, all? WEAKLY: I have been... ill-disposed. Yes. Right. (GRUNTS) Then perhaps I might. It may be for the best, sir. Right. INSECTS CHIRP Another important Ngapuhi chief ? Te Ruki 'the Duke' Kawhiti. REPORTER SPEAKS MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SCOFFS) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) CHILDREN SPEAK MAORI MEN YELL Those barrels in the tent. In the tent! Come on, gentlemen. We haven't much time. Let's go. Let's go. Good. Jack Jones, trader. AMERICAN ACCENT: I jumped ship back in '27 after a disagreement with the ship's captain over a certain pistol. (CHUCKLES) Ran smack bang into a bunch of natives who were of a mind to eat me until I showed them the disputed pistol. Then their chief decided I'd better serve as their pet white boy. Set myself up in Kororareka and haven't looked back. Kororareka described as the 'hellhole of the Pacific'? > Yep. Potatoes, pigs and prostitutes. Them natives ? they know the value of trade. And now these bastards have come to ruin it for us. Language, Mr Jones. Go to hell, you reverend. Henry Williams, Church Missionary Society, known respectfully by the Maori as 'four eyes', the man chosen to translate the Treaty. If there's ever to be one. Father to 11 children, a man described as arrogant, stubborn and fearless ? qualities apparently admired by the tangata whenua. I have a letter from the bishop of Australia requesting that I use my influence on the native chiefs to sign. To do that will require a treaty in a language they can understand. MAN SPEAKS MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) MAN SPEAKS MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Oui, oui. (CHUCKLES) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (CHUCKLES) Heke Pokai. (CHUCKLES) CHUCKLING (SPEAKS MAORI) REPORTER SPEAKS MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Patuone and his brother Tamati Waka Nene. Great warriors, they fought alongside Hongi Hika when he returned from England with his 200 muskets. There was so much slaughtering, they were gorged with human flesh. It made them sick in the heads and weak. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Good day, gentlemen! I saw Busby holding this folio aloft as an in triumph, and I thought, 'Lord, be praised. It was going to be close, but we can still make it.' And when he came ashore, all he had were a few scratchings and some half-baked notions. He is frustrating to the extreme. Obstinate, petty and obsessed with what he perceives as personal slights. Let's not forget James Busby introduced the grapevine to NZ. I was pleasantly surprised to discover he makes a very palatable red. No, no, no. We need plainer language. It is a legal document. A treaty with Her Majesty, and as such will be subject to the judgement of history. I must say I agree with Mr Busby. It needs flourish, style, elan. It needs to be understood by the native mind. At this point, I'm thinking even I don't understand it. The instructions from the Colonial Office were confusing to say the least. Well, of course Lord Normanby's brief was somewhat ambiguous. It needs to be capable of flexible interpretation if it is to stand the test of time. In one line, Lord Normanby acknowledges that the natives have sovereignty over NZ's soil. Mm-hm. And yet a few lines later,... he suggests that they are 'incompetent to act, or even deliberate, in concert'. And how is this a problem? He wants them to give their free and intelligent consent to this treaty and at the same time suggests they are incapable of such a thing. Well, then perhaps we should delay this gathering of the tribes. That's not possible. No, we might never get them back. So we should proceed? There is no alternative. We must complete this treaty tonight. Even so, there won't be time to send it to print. Less than two days to go, and there's still no treaty in English, much less te reo. That's cutting it fine. TENSE STRINGS MUSIC MEN CHANT IN MAORI AMERICAN ACCENT: Hey, hey, hey. (CHUCKLES) All right. All right, what have you got for me? STRINGS MUSIC Chief's head, is it? Big chief? Ae. Of course. (CHUCKLES) They're all chiefs now. (CHUCKLES) I knew of a chief ? he used to pray to his pretty tattooed heads in front of potential buyers whilst they were still attached to their bodies. They're slaves, you see. He can do what he likes with 'em. He can still get 'em to work his gardens till they're sold, and then... (WHOOSHES) There's not much you can teach your NZer about supply and demand. (LAUGHS) What else have you got for me? Yep. They'll do just fine. (CHUCKLES) Heke. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) What can you do? (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (CLEARS THROAT) Reverend. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) This treaty business ? we should talk. Many speak against this treaty. They are suspicious and don't understand. Might you help our cause? I might. (SPEAKS MAORI) The NZer's mind is like a fish ? difficult to grasp. He will say one thing while meaning another, while leaving a third option open in case he wishes at some later date to take a completely contrary position. When it comes down to it, the big question is what's in it for me? (SCOFFS) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Do you, Joseph Ward, take this wahine to be like a wife, to have and to hold for a few weeks until your ship sets sail? A way had to be found to protect the natives from the deprivations of the whites, as was in evidence all around with wickedness, perversity and greed in constant company. Sold. Ha ha. MEN CHEER Mm. Good luck. TENSE MUSIC What is this word? Extension. Extensive. No, no, that's right. The next word is immigration. Is it not the true purpose of this treaty to allow the rule of law to protect the natives from the settlers and the settlers from their own lawlessness and depravity? Yes, of course. It is an outcome we all desire. Can we focus on that, because?? Did they honestly believe that the government of our great empire would go to such lengths to protect a few savages, drunks and whoremongers from themselves? Really. ALL TALK AT ONCE Please! Now, we've taken your advice, but now may I suggest that Mr Busby and I be left to write so the Lt Governor still has time to approve and read this document. And Mr Williams has time to translate it? Yes, yes, of course. Now, Mr Busby, perhaps another glass of your excellent wine. Ah. MEN CHANT IN MAORI I have chased pirates, enslaved traders across the Indian Ocean. Had the yellow fever three times, Mr Busby, no less. (COUGHS) It's a terrible thing to be laid so low at such a time. Would you like to see it, sir? The Treaty, I mean. Well, of course. That's why we're here. (CLEARS THROAT) Perhaps you might, uh...? Hmm, good. Yes. Fine handwriting. James? Thank you, sir. (CHUCKLES) Sir, the meeting is tomorrow. Good. Good. It is still to be translated. What? Oh, yes. Of course. Um, I should probably make a few notes, hmm? In my, uh, chest, if you'd be so kind, you'll find examples of treaties... (COUGHS) made with the natives of, uh, India or Africa or some such. Perhaps we should compare and contrast. But, sir, surely the conditions here are markedly different. Well, yes. Yes. Still, no harm in being thorough. UPBEAT FIDDLE MUSIC This is it. It needs to be translated by 10am tomorrow. Oh, earlier. The Governor will need to sight it first. Is he familiar with the language? Not a word. I see. Well, there are certain terms which may not be acceptable to a native chief. What sort of terms? Sovereignty. It is a cornerstone of the Treaty. It is asking them to cede their mana. < And what is that? Their power, their right to rule from their ancestors, but also? The Governor agreed it was a very fine treaty. And there is no problem. Here was a document that was to be the bedrock of our relations with the natives, and there was no time for measured contemplation and discussion. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) New settlers arrive every month, it seems, courtesy of the NZ Company, and with them fresh tensions. Without this treaty, I hesitate not to say that the native population to a man will shortly be in arms. The question of possession may be settled by the extermination of all the Europeans in this part of the island. PERCUSSIVE MUSIC We're on the lawns of Busby's house. Word has spread. Trading ships from the United States, Great Britain, France, Australia, South America and other nations are anchored offshore, and settlers and locals keep arriving, keen to learn more of the Treaty. Oi, you lot, not over there. Thank you. Come on, move it on. Move it on. Loaves and blooming fishes ? that's what they want of me. I've had men scouring the countryside for pigs and potatoes. I cannae perform miracles, and the price of everything's gone up with the demand. Feed the natives, they said, but for how long? How many mouths for how many days? It's a complete and utter debacle. PEOPLE CHATTER You'd think they were royalty. She's a whore from New South Wales. He's the bastard son of a Manchester miller. LAUGHS: 'Aye.' They'll do well, no doubt. No doubt. But they're saying if this treaty is signed, we'll have to prove our land was bought fair and square. Aye, but who's to judge? That's what I'd like to know. And what's to stop your native crying foul and selling the same land over again? PEOPLE CHATTER, (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI, LAUGHS) (SPEAKS MAORI) Ooh. (SPEAKS MAORI, LAUGHS) PEOPLE CHATTER Some of the natives are worried the French are coming. They do have a ship in the harbour. Surely you don't believe they don't have any intentions on NZ? It might be in the best interests of the natives to let them think so. You've? (CLEARS THROAT) MEN TALK QUIETLY Morning, gentlemen. Thank you. MEN TALK QUIETLY What an extraordinary hat. (SPEAKS MAORI) REGAL MUSIC FRENCH ACCENT: I have avoided taking a position on this treaty. Even though the great chief Rewa came to me seeking advice, I told him these things were political matters. My concern was only to feed the souls of men with the word of God and direct to them to the Catholic faith, naturally. Jean-Baptiste Francois Pompallier, the first Roman Catholic bishop of NZ, known to the natives as Pikopo. And yet here I see the English missionaries ? they make every attempt to undermine our cause. They heap scorn upon our mother church and still... and still we continue to make many many converts. God is good. REGAL STRINGS MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) Pikopo. We should go inside. It might appear unseemly. Ko ia ano te tino rangatira. Ko Pikopo anake te hoa mo te kawana. WHISPERS: What's he saying? He says that, he, Pompallier is the only companion for the Governor. For the sake of our position among the natives, I think perhaps we should go in. (SPEAKS MAORI) Ae. Make way! Make way for the Lt Governor! Make way! Gentlemen, let's take our places immediately behind the Governor. This will never do. I will never follow Rome. To the side. GUITAR MUSIC QUIRKY STRINGS MUSIC QUIRKY MUSIC CONTINUES 1 PEOPLE CHATTER QUIRKY STRINGS MUSIC (MURMURS IN MAORI) (CLEARS THROAT) QUIRKY STRINGS MUSIC CONTINUES (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) No. (CHUCKLES) Quiet. Quiet, please. Order. Order. Our majesty Victoria, queen of Great Britain and Ireland,... (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...wishing to do good to the chiefs and people of NZ... (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...and for the welfare of her subjects living among you,... (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...has sent me here to this place as governor. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) But as the law of England gives no civil powers to Her Majesty out of her dominions, her efforts to do you good will be futile unless you consent. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) The people of Great Britain are, thank God, free. Tell that to the Irish. LAUGHTER Silence. Settle down, Patty. Free, and as long as they do not transgress the laws, they may go where they please. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) You have sold them land here... < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...and encouraged them to come here. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Her Majesty, always ready to protect her subjects is also always ready to restrain them. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) I will now read the Treaty. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) OK, some edited highlights. There's a preamble where the Queen explains that since British subjects have settled here, it's her responsibility to get them to behave themselves. But to do that, she needs the rule of law that can only come from setting up a civil government, but that government needs to apply to the native population and her subjects, so they have to sign this treaty. With me so far? Good. So we go into article one. Ah, yes, a bit contentious. In the English version, Her Majesty's asking all the chiefs to cede all the rights and powers of sovereignty. The chiefs are never going to agree to this. The Rev Williams said as much. And after some thought, I translated it to kawanatanga ? government or governorship ? which was about as close as I could get and not revoke a walkout by the chiefs. Kawanatanga? (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) OK, the second clause ? the chiefs are still chiefs over their lands and treasures ? taonga. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Tino rangatiratanga. (SPEAKS MAORI) Of course. It'll be their land... under the governorship of the British Crown. Article the third, where the Queen graciously bestows on the native NZer the same rights and duties of citizenship as the people of England ? tikanga. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) ...imparts on them all the rights and privileges of British subjects. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) His Excellency now invites you to speak on the subject of the Treaty as just now? (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Health to thee, O Governor.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'This is mine to thee.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'I am not pleased towards thee. I do not wish for thee.' Te Kemara Kaiteke always was a troublemaker and complainer. He was Heke's uncle, a warrior and a hard man to fathom. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'I do not consent to thy staying here in this country.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'If you stay, then perhaps Te Kemara will be...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...judged, uh, and condemned, even hanged by the neck.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'I know I will never say yes to you staying.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'You English are not kind to us like other foreigners,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) < '...so go back.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Go back, Governor.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'I will never say yes to you staying. I will not consent to thy staying.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'Go.' PEOPLE MURMUR PEOPLE CHATTER Thank you, uh,... ...Te Kemara. Kaiteke. LAUGHTER Here, translate that one there, Reverend. (LAUGHS) Uh? Uh, next, please. How do you do, Mr Governor? LAUGHTER (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'Let my lands be returned to me which have been stolen by the missionaries. 'Who will return our lands to us?' Uh, I can assure you that, uh, all lands unjustly held will be returned. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) 'This is good.' Baker. Haere mai, Baker. Haere mai, Baker. (CLEARS THROAT) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Oi, translate what the man says. I'm doing my utmost. He said he was robbed of his land. He did not. Sir, are you offering to assist Mr Williams in his translation? Just recommending he says what they said. Order! It's been suggested you don't fully comprehend the local vernacular. > I have no such concerns. You felt competent to translate the Treaty? > Assisted by my son, Edward, who was raised here amongst the Ngapuhi. I've always done my very best for these people. My conscience is clear. Order! Land commissioners will? Order! ...will examine into land held by the missionaries as strictly as anyone. PEOPLE TALK ANGRILY As any other! The people should recollect were it not for the missionaries, they would not be here this day, nor be in possession of one foot of land in NZ! (SHOUTS IN MAORI) If any one person has prior claim to land in this country, that person must be the missionary, who has laboured for so many years in this land while others were afraid to show their noses! I have 11 children. Busy boy. 11 children! And what they to do when I'm taken from them if they don't have land? Hear, hear. I am happy to say I do own some land. Because after having served the government for 15 years, no provision has been made for myself and my family. And that's all I wanted to say, really. Well, uh, perhaps we should, uh, hear from our next chief. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) LAUGHTER Well, the problem is a few of the missionaries have taken advantage of their situation. Naturally, the natives are aggrieved. Chief Rewa spoke against the Treaty, and he's an important man. So did Wai and Hakiro and then finally Kawiti took the floor. (SPEAKS IN MAORI) 'What does thou want here? Now go back.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'We native men do not wish for you to stay.' (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) '...trodden down. We are free.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'I will never say yes to you sitting here.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Yesterday I was cursed by a white man. Is that straight?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'The white gives us a pound for a pig.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'He gives the white �4 for such a pig.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Is that straight?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'If they would listen to you and obey, then good.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'But have they ever listened to Busby?' Kaore. < 'No.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Now, he's a? he's man of yesterday.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'So go back.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Be gone.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) MEN SPEAK MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) LAUGHTER (IMITATES ROOSTER) What did he say? It's a traditional greeting. Liar. (SPEAKS MAORI) 'To raise up or bring down?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Which is it to be?' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Oh, who knows? (CHUCKLES) (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Sit, Governor,' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'stay with us.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Without you, we natives are nothing, gone, extinct.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'What then shall we do?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Who are we?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Sit, Governor, a father for us.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'It is a good thing that you're here.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'It is even as the word of God.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Who says that thou shall leave us?' Kao. < 'No.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'No, no.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'For then the rum-sellers...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...and French people...' ...will have us natives. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Remain.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Remain, you. Sit, you,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...with the missionaries,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) < '...all as one.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'We natives are children.' < 'Yes, mere children.' < 'You, our fathers.' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'You missionaries to decide what it shall be.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'We are only natives. (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Sit, our father...' (SPEAKS MAORI) < ...and a governor for us.' (CHUCKLES) It was a noble and most gracious speech. I've known Hone Heke since he was a cheeky and troublesome lad at the mission school. But he's grown into manhood well. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Is not the land already gone?' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Is it not covered with foreigners?' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'What do you say?' < (SPEAKS MAORI) '"Governor, go back."' (SPEAKS MAORI) '"I'm sick."' (SPEAKS MAORI) '"I am dead."' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) < '"I am killed by you."' (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'Had you spoken thus in the old times when the grog sellers and traders first came,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) < '...had you turned them right away...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...then you could say to the Governor, "Go back."' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'But you've sold your land,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...drunk their rum,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...bought their guns.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Now as things are,... (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) < 'O Governor, sit.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'I, Tamati Waka Nene, say to thee,... (SPEAKS MAORI) '"Stay, thou, our friend, our father,..."' (SPEAKS MAORI) < '"...our governor."' A moving and convincing speech. These really are of a most noble race. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) 'What shall I say on this great occasion in the presence 'of all those great chiefs of both countries.' A point of interest ? these chiefs are not just brothers connected by blood; they're also connected by this man. HEAVENLY MUSIC Last year I baptised Nene. And just 10 days ago was the turn of his older brother, Patuone, to be washed clean of sin. Indeed, I believe this may help our cause. (SPEAKS MAORI) 'This is my word to you, O Governor.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Sit. Stay, thou.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'And to the missionaries and the word of God,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...that the French have us not.' (SPEAKS MAORI) 'That Pikapo, that bad man, have us not.' > (SPEAKS MAORI) 'Remain, Governor.' GUITAR MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) We shall see. We shall see. PEOPLE TALK TOGETHER Right. Thank you, sir, for your kind words. Kia ora. (SPEAKS MAORI) Now I think perhaps we might? (SHOUTS IN MAORI) PEOPLE EXCLAIM Oh no, not him again. (SHOUTS IN MAORI) He says, '"Thou shall stay"? Return to thine own land.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) < 'Besides, where are thou to dwell?' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'No place left for thee, and my land is all gone.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'Shall it be thus? Thus?' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'Come. Speak up.' (SHOUTS IN MAORI) 'Shall I be like this?' How do you do, eh, Governor? LAUGHTER How do you do, eh, Mr Governor? Very nice to meet you, Mr Governor. How do you do? (LAUGHS) How do you do? How do you do? How do you do?! PEOPLE YELL, LAUGH How do you do?! PEOPLE YELL Order! Please. PEOPLE YELL Order! How do you do? PEOPLE YELL, LAUGH Hang on. What's just happened here? Hone Heke's uncle has spoken against the Treaty and upset the English, but why? (SPEAKS MAORI) PEOPLE YELL < Order! How do you do? Silence. Silence! (SPEAKS MAORI) Uh,... thank you all for your thoughts and, uh, vigorous contribution... (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...to the, uh, discussion. And the next meeting, sir. Yes, uh, two days hence. Uh, Friday the 7th instant at 10am. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) This meeting shall be reassembled. Three cheers for Governor Hobson. Hip, hip... ...hooray. Hip, hip,... ...hooray. Hip, hip,... Those stupid bastards. They've been played by Heke, and they don't even know it. ...hooray. Tobacco for everyone. ALL CHEER The chiefs. He means tobacco for the chiefs only. < WILLIAMS TRANSLATES IN MAORI Honestly. Sometimes that man only opens his mouth to change feet. (CHUCKLES) STRINGS MUSIC STRINGS MUSIC CONTINUES 1 MEN YELL I want tobacco for Chief Marupo. Hold on! Marupo. Marupo. Uh... PEOPLE TALK TOGETHER All right, all right, one at a time. Hold your horses. Hold your horses! One at a time. > You mark my words. There'll be a right old cock-up here today. If the Treaty doesn't get signed because some old chief has got the hump about his share, don't you come crying to me. LILTING PIANO MUSIC Well, I think that all went rather well. ALL AGREE Do you think it wise to wait until the day after tomorrow for signing? Surely they need time to discuss it. Well, certainly? They're certainly fond of talking. < After you, sir. What in God's name? (SPEAKS MAORI) A tohunga, sir. A local holy man. > Would you direct him towards the?? No, no, no. Pray, let him approach. HAUNTING MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) What is he saying? Nothing of any importance, sir. Pray, Mr Colenso, tell me the exact meaning of his words. I much ravish to know all. He, uh,... He said, 'Alas, an old man. 'He will soon be, uh,... 'dead.' Right. Well, uh, thank you, Mr Colenso. Are we waiting for?? BOTH: No, sir. QUIRKY MUSIC It did rather dampen proceedings. FIDDLE MUSIC Naturally, some were concerned it was a bad portent, but nothing as serious as the tobacco crisis. (SPEAKS MAORI) LAUGHTER (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Mr Hobbs has requested a fresh copy of the Treaty ? one with room for all the native signatures. I wish I shared his optimism. KNOCK AT DOOR The chiefs are still debating the Treaty. And I cannot say which way it will go. Do you think they will even stay for another two full days? God's will be done. Well, we are here to do God's will as best we can. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI QUIETLY) Po marie. So, who's thirsty, then? Kia ora. TENSE MUSIC Bless us so, Lord, and these thy gifts we are about to receive from your bounty. Through Christ our Lord, amen. And so as the warm balmy night of the 5th of February fell, the real business of lobbying, discussion and deal-making got underway. On this score, at least, there could be little doubt the Pakeha and Maori understood each other perfectly. MEN LAUGH UPBEAT PIANO MUSIC How much you pay? BIRDS CHIRP (SNORES) HAUNTING MUSIC (SNORES) TUI CALLS IN DISTANCE WATCH TICKS HAUNTING MUSIC FREEMAN: Sir. Your Excellency. (KNOCKS ON DOOR) > Sir! Enter. Sir, you must come immediately. Pray, tell me why I must come immediately. Hmm? What day is it? Thursday, sir. The next meeting is not scheduled until the morrow. The natives have decided otherwise. Decided? But this is preposterous. Yes, sir, and nevertheless. My uniform. Find my cabin boy. He took it away to have it cleaned. There is no time. But... Really? Just bring your hat, sir. The natives like your hat. < I suppose. It's a very nice hat, sir. Well, I awoke to find some chiefs had already departed and more were planning to do so. Aye, it was a right old mess ? all the natives taking off, only a handful of whites turning up. Some had grievances over the sharing of tobacco. Can't have just been that. Can it? TENSE MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Well, the message was sent to the Herald in haste informing the Governor of the gravity of the situation. But somehow the first message did not get through. MEN SNORE Eventually, a boat was found and a messenger dispatched. I hear Mr Hobson was a bit upset. He only had time to put on his civilian clothes. But at least he had his hat. QUIRKY MUSIC To your places, please. Move it along. Hurry up now! His Excellency is about to speak. PEOPLE CHATTER Order! Half the savages had left already. Hobson must've been soiling himself. He knew that if the chiefs don't sign here today, he will never be governor. Greetings. Thank you all for coming. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) This is a momentous day, indeed. (SPEAKS MAORI) I can only accept signatures this day. I cannot allow any discussion,... < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) ...uh, this not being a regular public meeting. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) PEOPLE SPEAK IN MAORI LILTING GUITAR MUSIC Bonjour, papa. Bonjour. The man knows how to make an entrance. I'll give him that. PEOPLE MURMUR PEOPLE CHATTER (SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY) In my opinion, the papist had no right to be there, but Hobson was... accommodating. The bishop has requested that it be publicly stated to the natives that free toleration will be allowed in matters of faith. I could scarce believe what was being asked of me. Hobson was angling for support from the Catholic natives to shore up his own position. Perhaps the man has more intelligence than I give him credit for. Thank you, Mr Williams. < Yes, sir. Na, e mea ana te Kawana? Are you certain you want to do this, sir? Yes. ALL TALK TOGETHER Order. Order. We were losing them, so I quickly suggested a compromise, and I helped Mr Williams write it out. < It became, in effect, the fourth article of the Treaty. Yes. Yes, I suppose it did. E mea ana te Kawana, ko nga whakapono katoa, o Ingarani, o nga Weteriana, o Roma, me te ritenga Maori hoki, e tiakina ngatahitia e ia. Yes, I added the clause about respecting Maori custom. < You thought that was important? Yes. I didn't want Pompallier to think he'd won the day entirely. GUITAR MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) I had no desire to be associated in the minds of the natives with English politics or this treaty. My concern, as always, is the kingdom of heaven. I believe we're now ready to commence with the signing. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) If you could, uh, make your way... < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) < ...in an orderly fashion. < (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) TENSE STRINGS MUSIC At which point I'm thinking, 'Oh no, all that work, and the savages are not going to play the game.' Honestly, I had no idea. TENSE STRINGS MUSIC TENSE STRINGS MUSIC CONTINUES 1 (SHOUTS) TENSE STRINGS MUSIC CONTINUES TENSE STRINGS MUSIC TENSE STRINGS MUSIC CONTINUES (SPEAKS MAORI) Or as the Good Book says, 'God helps those who help themselves.' TENSE STRINGS MUSIC Sir. I am convinced that a great many of the natives have no real idea of what they are signing. Perhaps it could be explained more clearly to constitute its legality. The best answer to your concerns lies in the fine speech-giving yesterday of this very man about to sign. He said the native mind cannot comprehend these things and must take the advice of the missionaries. But Hobson wasn't taking our advice now. (SPEAKS MAORI) TENSE STRINGS MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) 'I sign this not with my hand,...' (SPEAKS MAORI) '...but with the mana of my ancestors.' Which is Heke's way of letting the other chiefs know he was the man and had the ancestry to prove it. TENSE STRINGS MUSIC (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI AWKWARDLY) LAUGHTER Yes, well, I had Williams coach me on how to say that. Uh... (CHUCKLES) Uh, just, um? Just a nice touch, I thought. Mm. Let's take a moment to consider the enormity of what's just occurred. Heke Pokai, also known as Hone Heke, has now attached his considerable mana to the signing of this document. If the other chiefs sign, it could look as though they're following Heke. If they refuse, Heke might control trade with the English. (SHOUTS) (SHOUTS IN MAORI) It was an appalling sight. A naked savage carrying on, undermining the dignity of the whole occasion. (CHUCKLES) The look on Hobson's face. I feared he might have apoplexy right there on the spot. I was quite clear there were to be no more speeches. (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Sir, perhaps we should just continue signing. Yes, indeed. The next to sign, please. Next! (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Hori Kingi Wharerahi, step forth if you please, sir. (IMITATES GUNFIRE) CHIEF SHOUTS Tamati Pukututu. (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Rewa. (SPEAKS MAORI) (SHOUTS IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) Te Kaua. (SHOUTS IN MAORI) EMPHATIC STRINGS MUSIC Te Kamera. CHIEF SHOUTS IN MAORI Tamati Waka Nene. CHIEF SHOUTS IN MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) (SHOUTS IN MAORI) (SPEAKS MAORI) (SHOUTS IN MAORI) Would somebody do something about that man?! CHIEF SHOUTS IN MAORI Marupo. Marupo! Uh... He iwi tahi tatou. How do you do, Mr Governor? LAUGHTER How do you do? How do you do? (CHUCKLES) RAUCOUS LAUGHTER (SPEAKS MAORI) (CLUCKS LIKE A CHICKEN) (IMITATES ROOSTER CROWING) Are there any more chiefs who wish to make their mark? Then I think that's enough for today. Mr Freeman. Yes, sir. Uh, please make your way to the store tent to collect your blankets and tobacco. (TRANSLATES IN MAORI) No. No, no. < Hip, hip,... ...hooray. Hip, hip,... ...hooray. < Hip, hip,... ...hooray. (SPEAKS MAORI) < REPORTER SPEAKS MAORI (SPEAKS MAORI) EMPHATIC STRINGS MUSIC Ha, that's it, then. The country's gone to hell in a handcart. These natives have no idea what they're in for. Good for business, no doubt. Hey, lad. How would you like to meet a genuine Maori princess? Well, gentlemen, a good day's work. A good day's work, indeed. My wife inquired if you would care to join us to dinner. I'd be delighted, old chap. But arrangements aboard ship have already been made. Another time. STRINGS MUSIC Ah, Mr Colenso. Perhaps you would be so kind as to assist my officer in the fair distribution of blankets and remaining tobacco. At least Colenso got his wish to print the Treaty in te reo. And the Treaty, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, began its long journey around NZ and through history to become our nation's founding document ? a document thrown together in a slapdash, last-minute, maybe even quintessentially Kiwi kind of way, a treaty that continues to grow in mana thanks to the efforts of its champions ? tangata whenua and Pakeha alike. In the end, about 542 chiefs signed. Many did not, but that didn't matter to Hobson or the Colonial Office. As far as they were concerned, NZ was now a British colony. In time, some Pakeha and even a few Maori will say that the chiefs signed away their birthright for two scarlet blankets and some tobacco. (SPEAKS MAORI) And they are very good blankets. (LAUGHS) The tohunga was right. Less than two years after the signing of the Treaty, Governor Hobson was dead, leaving Britain's most recent colony in a little bit of a mess. But that's another story. EMPHATIC STRINGS MUSIC (SHOUTS) Captions by Pippa Jefferies. www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Copyright Able 2015