25: The Original Act of Philanthropy
What if all Aucklanders understood the founding act of philanthropy in this city?
Every city should have an understanding of how it came to be. The gifting of some 3000 acres by Ngati Whatua to Captain Hobson to allow the establishment of Auckland is a hugely significant act. It led to the development of the earliest settlement in the central city and surrounding ridges and valleys between Maungawhau Mount Eden, Mataharehare (Hobson Bay) and Opou (Cox’s Creek).
Knowing this changes both how you understand the historical foundations of Auckland but also the much deeper connections Ngati Whatua and other iwi have to this land dating back long before this city was ever conceived. With such a high percentage of Aucklanders not having been born here, it is important that these aspects of our city story are acknowledged, talked about, and even dare I say celebrated where appropriate.
Stuart Houghton 2014
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Poor Ngati Whatua. They couldn’t have envisaged the way things turned out for them. Systematically fleeced of their land until eventually they drew a line in the sand at Bastion Point. NZ history.
Fantastic idea. Once people understand the background and history of auckland it changes perspectives on how we view each other and deal with each other. Auckland’s stories need to be revived and retold.
Most important observation by Stuart yet. Gotta know the past to grow well in the future.
http://vimeo.com/m/14701140
Here is a brief korero about it from on top of Maungawhau:
All true bit unfortunately it won’t change the views of the captains of industry as they zoom from their gated Eastern suburbs mansions to their offices and boardrooms.
And it wont change the opinions of certain Aucklanders who proudly say that “My family has been lived here for generations” (four or five at the most) and seem to think that they own everything as far as the eye can see.
Philanthropy is generally money gifted to good causes for the welfare of others…
Maori (individually and collectively) are and were shrewd operators (in a Western / capitalist context) – that being one of the real keys as to why our country is so great.
I’m thinking their “concession” to Hobson had motives and rightly so… Philanthropy?? Hmmm maybe.
This is correct. Protection by government troops from Northern tribes. Smart moves that cost an area they didn’t regard very highly.
The memorial to this event is hidden behind “the red fence”.
http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/108933816.jpg
IN OTHER COUNTRIES THIS PLACE MIGHT SUPPORT A GIANT FLAG POLE.