Conflict at Murderers Bay

Conflict at Murderers Bay

The first encounter between Māori and Europeans took place in December 1642 at what is now called Golden Bay. Tasman named it Murderers Bay after a violent encounter with Māori. As Māori approached the Dutch ships in canoes, one canoe rammed a ship’s boat that was passing between Tasman’s two vessels, killing four Dutchmen. A number of Māori were killed in response to the attack. The event was sketched by Isaac Gilsemans, who sailed with Tasman.