Commemorating James Cook in the Mercury Bay

Cook's 12 days in the Mercury Bay

Cook not only observed the transit of Mercury during his stay, he also established the geographic coordinates of New Zealand whilst in the bay.  Of equal importance was the shared Maori and Pakeha experience at Te Whanganui A Hei at that time. It was here where mutual respect between Europeans and local iwi evolved. This was a formative meeting place of our now multicultural nation.

Mercury Bay 250th Anniversary Trust Established

A local Trust has been established to coordinate and plan for events that will mark this anniversary of Cook's arrival in Te Whanganui A Hei (Mercury Bay). Currently the Trust has five trustees, a patron and advisors to support its work.

Celebrating this milestone in New Zealand history, and the significance of what took place during Cook's 12 day stay in Mercury Bay will be the focus of local, national and international attention.

Paul Kelly, Trust Chair

Other Trustees include Ngati Hei Kaumātua Joe Davis, Mercury Bay Area School Principal John Wright and Mercury Bay Museum Trustee Richard Gates. Sir Michael Fay is patron of the Trust with TCDC councillors Tony Fox and Murray McLean acting in an advisory role.

Pictured above: Mural located outside the Mercury Bay Museum commemorating Captain Cook in Whitianga.

The Trust has identified three key project themes which will be integral to commemorative events in Whitianga and the wider Mercury Bay Area that recognise Cook's on-going legacy in Mercury Bay. The themes will be relevant and enduring, for both the wider Coromandel Peninsula area and the nation as a whole and include:

• Navigation and Exploration – Crossing Place (Kupe to Cook)
• Scientific Discoveries – Transit of Mercury
• Meeting Place – Sharing of Cultures

National Commemorations Planned

The Trust is also liaising with similar regional organisations which have been established in Gisborne, the Bay of Islands and Queen Charlotte Sound. Gisborne, where Cook first stepped ashore in New Zealand, followed by Mercury Bay, the Bay of Islands and Queen Charlotte's Sound. All being the key sequential stopovers during Cooks 1769/70 circumnavigation of New Zealand.

How to get involved

The primary role of the Mercury 250th Anniversary Trust is to work with central and local government as well as inform and engage the public, community organisations and other interested parties who may wish to participate. A priority is encouraging public support and participation in staging of commemorative events which will leave lasting memorials that recognise the prominent role Te Whanganui A Hei played in New Zealand's early history.

A public meeting will be held to discuss event planning for Captain Cook Commemorations in Whitianga early in the new year to inform the local community on what is being planned for the anniversary.

If you are interested in contributing or assisting with the planning for this event contact:

Paul Kelly, Chairman Mercury Bay Community Board and Chair of the Trust.
Landline (07) 866 4430 or Cellphone 0274466094