2. The passengers and crew of the Boyd were killed and eaten by the indigenous Māori in retribution for the flogging of the chief’s son
Allegedly the greatest single killing of Europeans by indigenous Māori, the Boyd massacre of 1809 saw the deaths and cannibalism of between 66 and 70 people at the hands of the indigenous population of New Zealand. The Boyd was a convict ship, sailing from Sydney Cove, Australia to Whangaroa Habor, New Zealand, in late 1809 for the purpose of harvesting wood for shipbuilding. Carrying approximately 70 people, and under the command of Captain John Thompson, among the passengers was Te Ara, the son of a Māori chieftain returning home. As was customary for passage aboard a ship, Te Ara was expected to work in return for his transport. For an unknown reason, believed to have been either illness or his status, he refused and consequently was deprived of full rations and flogged. Upon his delivery to Whangaroa Bay, Te Ara reported his treatment to his tribe. Outraged, with the harming of the son of a chief punishable by death, the Māori swore utu (vengeance) against those responsible.
Three days later, Captain Thompson was invited by the Māori to survey the area for suitable timber. Once out of sight of the Boyd, Thompson, along with his chief officer and three other companions, were killed. Stripped of their clothes, which were donned as disguises by the Māori, their bodies were taken to the village to be eaten. As dusk settled, the disguised Māoris led an attack against the Boyd. All aboard, except for five who hid atop the rigging and five who were spared, were butchered and consumed by the Māori. The following day, the hidden five, in their attempt to attract the attention of a passing ship, were noticed and, despite attempting to flee along the beach, were caught and killed after a short pursuit. The Boyd was accidentally destroyed when, in the course of ransacking the ship, a powder keg was unintentionally detonated, killing Chief Piopio and nine other Māori.