Story: European discovery of New Zealand

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. One Māori was hit by a shot from Tasman's men in response to the attack. The event was sketched by Isaac Gilsemans, who sailed with Tasman.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PUBL-0086-021
Photolithograph after a drawing by Isaac Gilsemans

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'European discovery of New Zealand - Abel Tasman', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/1407/conflict-at-murderers-bay (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 1 May 2016