In 1969 Gisborne made certain that the 200th anniversary of British explorer James Cook's first landing in New Zealand was fully observed. The commemorations took place over a week beginning on 9 October, the day recorded in Cook's journal of his landing, although in civil time (as distinct from ship's time) it was actually 8 October. During the commemorations ships of five navies (British, Australian, Canadian, United States and New Zealand) visited, and Vampire jets flew past. There was a civic welcome at Endeavour Park, and a highly popular parade through the centre of Gisborne, shown here. It included this giant representation of Cook's head, with a model of the Endeavour behind. Later there were fireworks and a religious service.