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Episodes and Stories 2
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Shipwreck The Tragedy of the Boyd
Season 1 , Episode 1The Tragedy of the Boyd describes the sinking of the 500 tonne sailing ship, a shipwreck created by a bloody act of revenge. Presenter Paul Gittins travels to Whangaroa Harbour in the Far North where, in 1809, local Maori slaughtered more than 60 passengers and crew. This savagery — and the cannibalism that followed — severely strained early Māori-Pākehā relations for decades. Gittins carefully examines the lead-up to the attack and former Race Relations Conciliator, and local resident, Hiwi Tauroa provides further context. -
Shipwreck The Wreck of the Orpheus
Season 1 , Episode 2On 7 February 1863, the worst maritime disaster in New Zealand history occurred. British warship HMS Orpheus ran aground on a notorious sandbar at Manukau Heads, with the loss of 189 of the 259 onboard. Midshipman Butler, the only man on board who had steered a ship over the treacherous bar, was under arrest and in the brig. His pleas to alter course were ignored and the result was the loss of 189 lives.
