The first landing site of James Cook's crew at Gisborne was commemorated with the erection of a monument in 1906.The park where this statue can be found is currently known as a lovely, serene walkway where locals and tourists use for sight seeing and exercise.
On October 8th 1769 Captain James Cook went to New Zealand. He named a visible Gisborne landmark after midshipman Nicholas Young, a lad who was the first to sight New Zealand from the masthead of the "Endeavour". Cook then went to Gisborne and made the first interaction with the Maori. This historic meeting between the two cultures was the start of modern New Zealand.
"The descendants of Ngati One One (the Maori people) who met Cook that day still maintain Te Poho O Rawiri Marae (the meeting house) at the base of Titirangi Hill, approximately 1km from Port Gisborne where the ship will berth. Te Poho O Rawiri has over the years welcomed many famous dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana among others."
Cruise ship's would be met by several Waka (Maori canoes), then one of New Zealand's top Kapa Haka (cultural) groups would welcome passengers as the ship docks. The passengers could also have the chance to be officially welcomed onto the local Marae.
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