Boundary

Chapter 6

Three years earlier, at Te Awaiti, Ngaiti was tricked by the Captain of a French whaler into sailing with them as a crewmember, with a promise he would meet French royalty. During the long voyage to Europe, Ngaiti began to learn French. By the time they had arrived at Portsmouth Ngaiti almost spoke the language fluently. Edward Wakefield was researching New Zealand and approached the newly arrived whaler seeking information from the Captain about the route they took, the weather and about any challenges they faced on their journey. Speaking English with some fluency, Ngaiti acted as interpreter for the two men.

Seeing the young man was intelligent, a quick learner and had a pleasing disposition, Wakefield offered Ngaiti employment. Eminently impressed by the demonstration of the young man's hard work and honesty, Edward Wakefield ensured Ngaiti was taught how to speak the Queen's English correctly, to read and write, and more importantly, he introduced him to the finer points of English culture and society. Ngaiti became a gentleman. It was only natural that when the time came, he would assist Edwards's brother, Colonel William Wakefield, on his quest for the New Zealand Company in New Zealand. Now twenty-five years old, he was offered free passage in exchange for his language and cultural expertise. An astute and strategic thinker, Ngaiti also provided pleasant company and had endeared himself to both Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, and quickly became good friends.

Ngaiti turned to face both Andrew and Eleanor, taking a big breath. "Andrew, your family is of Scottish ancestry, is it not?"

Andrew nodded.

"You have clans, these clans fight amongst each other, they create bonds through marriage and relationships between clans change as one clan is offended by another clan. Some clans even have a long, historical hate for each other. The power of alliances determines who lives safely on their land and on the land of their neighbours. Am I correct?"

"Yes, you are correct." Andrew nodded.

"I ask you this, what would happen if you gave one clan leader weapons that no one else had, how would the other clans behave and what would happen?"

"The clan leader would celebrate his good fortune with a wee dram, then they'd fight," said Andrew with a laugh. His wit earned him another elbow in the side. Eleanor was not amused.

"It would likely cause jealousy, envy, and probably create many disagreements," replied Andrew in a more serious tone.

"Then this is the only way I can describe to you the similarities between Māori and Pakeha. Do you now see the danger of what Colonel Wakefield will do when he upsets the balance?"

"Yes, I concede your point Ngaiti, but the Europeans will live together with Māori and if the balance is upset, as you believe," Andrew raised an eyebrow at Ngaiti who leaned on the rail, "then we have laws to protect us all."

"Who's laws?"

"Ours, of course," laughed Andrew.

"Do Māori have laws, Ngaiti?" Eleanor asked.

"Yes, we do."

"Then what will become of them, Andy? Will we have to abide by both Māori laws and our laws?" she asked.

"I can't say, but the Company have told us they are introducing a modern civilisation to a primitive culture, so I expect Māori will learn and appreciate that the laws of a modern society are fair and just for everyone."

Ngaiti turned from the rail. "Do you believe that Māori should ignore and forget their laws?"

"Our laws are probably better, but I've not really thought about it. What do you think?" Andrew asked.

"If Māori invaded England, and they said as conquerors, 'We have come in peace and we will live together in harmony and you will now live under Māori law,' how would you feel?" Ngaiti gave no time for a response. "I think there will be conflict, Andy. Colonel Wakefield and the Company need to be aware of this before they go too far."

"But we are not invading, Ngaiti."

Ngaiti raised his eyebrows. "Then you come to New Zealand as guests?"

Andrew paused, mulling over what he said.

"I understand, Ngaiti," said Eleanor sympathetically. "And you do too, Andy, you are just being stubborn and hate to admit you are wrong."

"Colonisation is just another word for invasion," said Ngaiti with contempt.

Port Nicholson - Te Whanganui a Tara

The moderate southwesterly winds were kind to Honi as he and his brothers sailed across the Cook Strait, the body of water that separated the two main islands of New Zealand. As they approached the southern point of the northern island and headed towards the entrance to Port Nicholson, known to Māori as Te Whanganui-ā-Tara, the wind changed and the swell increased, slowing progress. Unable to resist the temptation, some of the brothers cast lines over the side and caught a reasonable quantity of fish. Certainly enough to offer as a gift on their unexpected arrival. It was late in the day when five tired and cold sailors entered Port Nicholson, and still under sail, made their way to the sheltered western shore of the large bay.

Warmly greeted at Kaiwharawhara and their gift of fish well received, Honi and his brothers were seated by a fire, enjoying its warmth, when Chief Te Wharepouri arrived and sat beside them.

Typically dressed in European clothing, he wore his hair long and loose, not tied in the customary knot. A traditional Māori facial tattoo, called a moko, marked his entire face. To some it was intimidating; to others the moko told a story. His hands were large and calloused, familiar with work and the highly-skilled craft of building canoes. Scars crisscrossed his lower muscled arms, mementos of past battles and victories, reminders of the fallen. Saying nothing, he turned to look at Honi and studied the young man before him. Te Wharepouri's gaze was intense, inquisitive and perfectly matched an intelligent, handsome face. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, it wasn't awkward - the unspoken words were reassuring, strengthening the family bond.