In 2019, Aotearoa New Zealand acknowledged 250 years since the first onshore meetings between Māori and non-Māori. Tuia – Encounters 250 (Tuia 250) was the national commemoration that recognised this milestone in our history.

Tuia 250 provided the opportunity to share, debate and reflect – to enable a more balanced telling of our stories, so that we speak openly and respectfully about our history. Tuia 250 encouraged honest conversations about Māori and European settlement of Aotearoa New Zealand to guide us as we go forward together.

Events and activities in regions right around the country provided space for New Zealanders to join the discussion.

The Tuia 250 kaupapa

Tuia 250 is about the people and place of Aotearoa New Zealand - what brought us together, the challenges we face and how we will weave our cultures and values into a future we will be proud to leave for the next generation.

Tuia 250 recognised the extraordinary voyaging traditions and cultures of Te Moana Nui a Kiwa (the Pacific ocean), the exceptional feats of Pacific voyagers, their mātauranga (knowledge), innovation and non-instrument navigation prowess and their decision to settle in Aotearoa many generations ago.

Tuia 250 also acknowledged the feats of European explorers, the technology they developed and their first encounters with the people of this place when James Cook, Tupaia and others on the Endeavour arrived and sailed around Aotearoa in 1769.

Commemoration programme

An unprecedented three-month voyaging event saw waka hourua, New Zealand tall ships, the Endeavour replica, and naval ships visit sites of significance around the country between October and December 2019. The flotilla commenced with an opening ceremony in Gisborne in October.

For more information on Tuia 250,visit the Ministry of Culture and Heritage website