A flotilla of waka hourua was welcomed to Tūranga Nui a Kiwa on Saturday as part of the sestercentennial commemorations for famed navigator James Cook.
On the 6th of October 1769 a cabin boy on board the HMS Endeavour sighted land.
Two days later Lieutenant James Cook landed in Tūranga Nui a Kiwa and had his first encounter with tangata whenua.
It resulted in the death of several Māori and would change the Māori world forever.
Two-hundred-and-fifty years on New Zealand is commemorating Cook's arrival in Aotearoa with events taking place around the country.
Around $23 million is being spent to remember Cook's time here and while some iwi embraced the Tuia Encounters 250 project, not everyone is in the mood to celebrate.
Many have opposed the commemorations and questioned why so much money is being spent on such a divisive historical figure.
So just how should we remember Cook's legacy?
The Hui hosted a special panel with Te Kapotai kaumātua Kara George, Dr Arama Rata from Waikato University, Matthew Tukaki from the New Zealand Māori Council and Ngāti Whātua Kaumātua Tautoko Witika.
Watch the video.
