October 09, 2017
Tasman preparing for anniversary
Descendants of Ngati Tumatakokiri, the iwi who met Abel Tasman in 1642, will be at Mohua-Golden Bay in December to mark the 375th anniversary of the Dutch explorer's brief encounter with Aotearoa.
That first encounter between Maori and European led to the death of four sailors.
The commemoration at Pohara Hall near the Tasman Memorial could be the first time since 1862 representatives of all groups have been in that original location at the same time.
Formal and informal activities will celebrate both cultures, with school pupils making traditional Maori flutes or koauau and a cardboard replica of Tasman's small boat.
Guests include the Dutch ambassador and a party from Grootegast near Tasman's birthplace, which has a sister city relationship with Tasman District.
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