Northland-based NZ First MP Shane Jones says a Far North iwi's objections to a visit by a replica of Cook's Endeavour are misguided and based on ignorance of history.
It was revealed this week that a flotilla of vessels sailing around the North Island as part of the Tuia 250 commemorations - marking 250 years since Captain Cook first visited - has scrubbed Mangonui, in Doubtless Bay, from the programme after objections by Ngāti Kahu.
The iwi's chief executive, Anahera Herbert-Graves, said the three marae with mana whenua in the area didn't want the Endeavour because it was recreating a visit that never happened — Cook sailed past Doubtless Bay — and because the hapū were not consulted.
They also objected to Māori stories being used to promote myths that colonisation was invited, welcomed and beneficial.
Herbert-Graves said she showed the programme to the three marae in the area with mana whenua, and all responded promptly with a "no way Jose".