Cape Kidnappers

Cape Kidnappers

Many years ago there was the Heretaunga plains where there was a Māori tribe.The elders of the tribe would tell stories to the kids about Cape Kidnappers. So this is what happened…On 15 October 1769 there was a big ship called HMS Endeavour.On that ship lived Captain James Cook set sail on this ship.With this young Tahitian boy called Tupia who agreed to traveled with Cook. For many years the Māori people have been trading fruits/veges for fresh fish.Then one day the Māori people saw Tupia and they went crazy with confusion “why is a island boy living with the pakeha” they wondered “Surely he’s a prisoner against his will” “we must save him” they shouted. “But we must have a plan” one       of the village man said “here’s the plan.” “when we come back to trade we will trick the pakeha and take the boy and as soon as we know we’ll be halfway home.” Soon they were ready to trade they went straight out to the ship and when the pakeha went to get the fish, the Māori people quickly grabbed Tupias arm and pulled him up onto the boat. Tupia screamed

“HELP ME HELP ME!!!” the pakeha ran onto the deck with there gun “FIRE” Cook shouted and one by one the Māori people fell over dead! Tupia got out of the boat and back on the ship. “You made a lucky escape” said Cook with relief.

That is why this place is called Cape kidnappers