File imageThe British Government will today convey a formal expression of regret to Gisborne-based iwi for deaths involving Captain James Cook 250 years ago, in ceremonies shrouded in secrecy. The expressions of regret will be made by British High Commissioner Laura Clarke in private marae meetings but will stop short of an apology. The British High Commission has not issued any notice of today's events and has sworn the iwi involved to secrecy. It is understood that there were initial discussions about getting the New Zealand Government to join with the British Government in expressing regret for the deaths. Cook headed north from there and more Māori were killed confrontations at Mercury Bay and the Cavalli Islands.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 01, 2019 19:30 UTC