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When Marsden arrived in the Bay of Islands for Christmas 210 years ago.


This article summarises an article by Zana Bell “Marsden’s first Christmas” published by New Zealand Geographic in 2006.1


As the festive season approaches, we often reflect on traditions and moments that have shaped our celebrations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, one such pivotal moment is the first Christian service held on its soil on Christmas Day in 1814. This event, organised by the Reverend Samuel Marsden, not only marked the introduction of Christianity to the Māori people, but also symbolised a significant cultural exchange that would influence the nation’s history.

Samuel Marsden, an Anglican clergyman from England, was deeply moved by the potential he saw in Aotearoa New Zealand. Stationed in Australia as chaplain to the penal colony of New South Wales, Marsden met several Māori who had travelled there. He was fascinated by their intelligence, social structures and the challenges they faced. He envisioned a mission that would bring Christianity, education and new agricultural practices to Aotearoa New Zealand, fostering mutual respect and understanding between Europeans and Māori. Marsden believed that the introduction of the Gospel would not only enlighten Māori spiritually, but also pave the way for a harmonious relationship based on shared values. His approach was somewhat progressive for his time; rather than advocating conquest or domination, he emphasised cooperation and cultural exchange.

In 1814, after years of planning and with the backing of the Church Missionary Society, Marsden set sail on the brig Active. Accompanying him were missionaries Thomas Kendall, William Hall and John King, who brought their skills as schoolmaster, carpenter and shoemaker respectively. Importantly, several Māori chiefs also joined the voyage, including the influential Ruatara. Ruatara had previously travelled to England and Australia and formed a strong bond with Marsden. Their arrival in the Bay of Islands was greeted with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension by the local Māori. But Ruatara’s support of Marsden eased tensions. He became an important intermediary, explaining the missionaries’ intentions and facilitating initial interactions.

On 25 December 1814, under a clear summer sky at Oihi Bay, Marsden preached the first Christian sermon in New Zealand. The congregation was a diverse mix of European settlers and hundreds of Māori from surrounding tribes. Ruatara played an important role, translating Marsden’s words and ensuring the message resonated with his people. Marsden chose the biblical text from Luke 2:10-14, which speaks of goodwill and peace – an appropriate theme for the occasion. The service was more than a religious ceremony; it was a symbolic gesture of unity and the beginning of a new chapter in Māori-European relations. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect, with both cultures sharing in the significance of the moment.

In the months following the Christmas service, the missionaries began to immerse themselves in Māori culture. They learned the language, participated in local customs and shared their own knowledge. Agricultural techniques, reading and writing were taught with the aim of providing Māori with tools that could benefit them economically and socially.

But the mission was not without its challenges. Language barriers remained and misunderstandings occasionally arose.

Some Māori were sceptical of the missionaries’ intentions and wary of the change they represented. In addition, internal tribal conflicts sometimes complicated the missionaries’ efforts to remain neutral and supportive of all.
Marsden himself faced criticism.
His dual role as missionary and magistrate in Australia led some to question his motives, accusing him of being more interested in extending colonial influence than in spreading the gospel. Despite these accusations, many acknowledge that Marsden genuinely sought to foster positive relationships and had a deep respect for Māori culture.

The events of that first Christmas laid the foundations for future interactions between Māori and Europeans.

The mission at Oihi became a centre for education and exchange. Over time more missionaries arrived and Christianity began to take root in various communities, often mixing with Māori beliefs and traditions.
This period also marked the beginning of significant changes for Māori.While some of these changes brought benefits such as new technologies and literacy, others led to a loss of land, autonomy and aspects of their cultural identity.The introduction of European diseases and the pressures of colonisation had a devastating effect.

Samuel Marsden’s role in New Zealand history is complex.He is remembered as a pioneer who sought to bridge cultures and as a figure intertwined with the onset of colonisation.

  1. Bell, Zana (2006): Marsden’s first Christmas, in: New Zealand Geographic, Volume 77, https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/marsdens-first-christmas/ Last accessed: 30.11.2024 []

Behind The Brush, Behind the Brush, Series 2, Episode 1: Te Tai Tokerau

 

This blogpost introduces a specific documentation entitled “Behind the Brush, Series 2, Episode 1: Te Tai Tokerau”1 which had been produced by Awa Films in 2010. This episode delves into the captivating portraits by renowned artist Gottfried Lindauer, focusing on the significant figure of Pomare II (also known as Whetoi). Gottfried Lindauer was a Czech-born artist who immigrated to New Zealand in the late 19th century. He became celebrated for his detailed and respectful portraits of Māori individuals, many of whom were prominent leaders and figures within their communities. Lindauer’s work is more than mere representation; it is a visual record of Māori society during a time of significant change and adaptation.

The episode takes the viewers on a journey through Aotearoa New Zealand’s Northland region, an area steeped in Māori history and tradition. The documentary examines how Lindauer’s portraits serve as historical documents that preserve the stories, lineage, and mana (authority) of Māori ancestors.

Central to this episode is the portrait of Pomare II (Whetoi), a prominent rangatira of Ngati Manu and a key figure in early 19th-century New Zealand history. Pomare II played a significant role during a period of intense interaction between Māori and European settlers in the first half of the 19th century.

To deepen the connection between past and present, the producers invited Arapeta Hamilton, a descendant of Pomare II and a member of Ngāti Manu, to share his insights. In a brief but poignant interview, Hamilton reflects on his ancestor’s legacy and the importance of Lindauer’s work in keeping that legacy alive. His perspective offers a personal dimension to the historical narrative, emphasizing how the stories and values of forebears continue to influence Māori communities today.

Lindauer’s portraits are invaluable to both Māori and non-Māori audiences. They provide a window into the identities, attire, and statuses of individuals from a bygone era. The documentary highlights how these images are not just artistic expressions but are imbued with cultural significance, serving as anchors for whakapapa (genealogy) and identity among Māori people.

Enjoy watching!

  1. Behind the Brush, Series 2, Episode 1: Te Tai Tokerau. Directed by Arahanga, Julian. New Zealand: Tawera Productions and Black Pearl, 2010. https://search.alexanderstreet.com/view/work/bibliographic_entity|video_work|3369891, [last Access: 24.09.2024]. []

Summary of the article: “Archivbericht Neuseeland” – 2009

Almost 15 years ago, in 2009, the german archive journal “Archiv, Theorie & Praxis – Zeitschrift für Archivwesen” of North-Rhine Westphalia had published a general overview and introduction of the Aotearoa New Zealand archive system. You can find the article as a .pdf here under this URL online in german language.1

Heusterberg, Babette: Archivbericht Neuseeland, in: Archiv, Theorie & Praxis – Landesverband NRW, 62, 2, 2009, p. 176-182.

With this blogpost, I would like to offer you a brief summary in English language of the article: Archives are an essential part of preserving and providing access to historical records and cultural heritage. The authors explores the archival landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a particular focus on the National Archives /Te Rua Mahara o te Kawanatanga. The article provides an overview of the history of archives in New Zealand, the current state of archives, and the various initiatives that Archives New Zealand has undertaken to improve its services and increase access to its collections.

The history of archives in New Zealand:

The history of archives in New Zealand dates back to the early colonial period, when the first government records were created. However, it was not until the late 19th century that a formal archival system was established. The National Archives of New Zealand was started in 1957 and changed to Archives Aotearoa New Zealand in 2003.

Current state of archives in Aotearoa New Zealand:

The archives in Aotearoa New Zealand are classified into three primary categories, namely government archives, private archives, and community archives. Archives New Zealand is responsible for preserving and providing access to the records of the New Zealand Government and other records of national importance. Then the author describes the various functions of Archives Aotearoa New Zealand which includes appraisal, acquisition, preservation, and access. The article also discusses the obstacles faced by Archives Aotearoa New Zealand, including the limited resources and the necessity to balance access with privacy concerns.

Archives New Zealand initiatives:

Archives Aotearoa New Zealand has undertaken numerous initiatives recently to improve its services and increase access to its collections. These initiatives include the digitisation of records, the development of online finding aids and the creation of partnerships with other institutions. The article also discusses the various outreach programmes that Archives New Zealand has developed to engage with the wider community, such as school programmes and public exhibitions.

Digitisation of records:

Archives Aotearoa New Zealand has undertaken a significant digitisation programme to make its collections more accessible to researchers and the public. The digitisation programme includes the scanning of records, the creation of digital finding aids and the development of online databases. The article notes that while digitisation has many benefits, it also presents challenges, such as the need to ensure the long-term preservation of digital records.

Online finding aids:

Archives Aotearoa New Zealand has developed a range of online finding aids to help researchers navigate its collections. These finding aids include online catalogues, indexes, and guides to specific collections. The article notes that these finding aids have greatly improved access to Archives Aotearoa New Zealand’s collections, but there is still work to be done to ensure that they are comprehensive and up to date.

Partnerships with other institutions:

Archives Aotearoa New Zealand has developed partnerships with other institutions to increase access to its collections and promote the importance of archives. These partnerships include working with museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions. The article notes that these partnerships have been successful in raising awareness of archives and creating new opportunities for research and engagement with the wider community.

Outreach programmes:

Archives Aotearoa New Zealand has developed a range of outreach programmes to engage with the wider community and promote the importance of archives. These programmes include school programmes, public exhibitions and online resources. The article notes that these outreach programmes have been successful in raising awareness of archives and creating new opportunities for engagement with the wider community.

Challenges and future for archives in Aotearoa New Zealand:

Despite the many initiatives undertaken by Archives New Zealand, there are still challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of New Zealand’s documentary heritage. These challenges include limited resources, the need to balance access with privacy concerns, and the need to ensure the long-term preservation of digital records. The article concludes by calling for continued investment in archives and greater collaboration between archives and other cultural institutions to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand’s documentary heritage is preserved and made accessible to future generations.

  1. Heusterberg, Babette: Archivbericht Neuseeland, in: Archiv, Theorie & Praxis – Landesverband NRW, 62, 2, 2009, p. 176-182. []

GHI London Blogpost

 

Thanks to a scholarship of the German Historical Institute London, I have spent several months of last year (September 2021 to November 2021) in several english cities (Birmingham, London) and welsh cities (Aberystwyth, Pembrokeshire, Milford Haven) in order to undertake archival research in a number of Archives, Museums and Libraries.

In the Cadbury Research Library of the University of Birmingham I was able to read (and to copy) extensive amounts of manuscripts of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) Stations and its actors at the Bay of Islands (roughly from the period between 1814 until 1840). Adopting on one particular meeting minute of the CMS in London, I summarized my PhD research project for the blog of the German Historical Institute. I remain very grateful for this wonderful opportunity of the GHIL and thank Dr. Marcus Meer for the lectoring process.

You can read the blogpost on the GHIL Blog here.1

  1. Hussein, Haureh: Māori Iwi, Quaker Whalers, and Missionaries at the Bay of Islands in Aotearoa/New Zealand (1790–1840), in: GHIL Blog, https://ghil.hypotheses.org/1227 [Last Access: 24.11.2022]. []

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

During the Conference days of the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology (see the blogpost of 26. Sept. 2022), I met Bill Edwards, manager of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Dr. James Robinson, Archaeologist of the same Institution.

Dr. James Robinson delivered a paper entitled “Land and Sea,the archaeological and historical evidence of European interaction with tangata whenua on Moturua Island in the Bay of Islands: 1769–1940s”. Bill Edwards talked about the “Seascapes of encounter, the archaeological and historical evidence of European voyagers early contact with tangata whenua in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand.”

Throughout the Conference, I used many occasionaries and moments to have chat with them by a cup of tea, for lunch, or during the boat trip, and even after the Conference, I visited them twice in the Office of the “Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga” in Keri Keri, where we not only continued our conversations but also “fall” into “rabbitholes” of both their Library and their mapping programms in the office.

Apart from Bill and James, John O’Hare, a journalist, also worked in the Council and invited me very spontaneously to talk about my research. I readily used the opportunity to introduce my topic to a local audience. The article can be found in the “Northern Advocate” Newspaper (behind a paywall)1 , but is also free accessible on the blog of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.2

  1. Whaling heritage brings researcher to New Zealand, in: The Northern Advocate, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/bay-news-fleet-celebrates-40-years-okaihau-bowls-on-a-roll/X52EX7N4GOR4EUUGE56LIVJCIE/, [Last Access: 2.11.2022]. []
  2. Whaling Heritage draws researcher to New Zealand, in: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, https://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/blog/whaling-heritage-draws-researcher-to-new-zealand, [Last Access: 2.11.2022]. []