Untold Pacific History: Episode 2 - Niue / The Murder of Commissioner Larsen

What led Commissioner Larsen - the New Zealand administrator of Niue in the 1950s to be murdered in his bed by three locals hell-bent on justice and revenge?
New Zealand's representative to Niue, Cecil Hector Larsen, was killed by Niuean locals, the first New Zealand diplomat to have been killed abroad.
In an extraordinary story of the trauma suffered by indigenous people at the hands of an alleged tyrant, a dramatic chapter in NZ and Niuean history is unravelled.
Niuean family members, politicians and historians give their perspectives on this little-known New Zealand colonial history on the ‘realm nation’ of Niue.
Made possible by the RNZ / NZ on Air Innovation fund
For more Pacific Islands history and Untold Pacific stories click here:
www.thecoconet.tv/know-your-r...

[@alfredkalapu]

These are the stories that need to be told

[@yandenuts]

As a 65 year old Australian, shamed to say I knew nothing aobut Pacific history. It was never mentioned at school. Haven't come across my own countries sins there, but I'm sure, they'll be there. Look what most of us back in those days came from.

[@vkirisome4701]

When an elder says "he had it coming to him" I'll accept his word over any journalist.

[@pjmasks7185]

Absolutely 💯

[@ethanolarano4341]

Tautoko ona korero

[@raidenjax6223]

I said give them medals

[@xroadwalker]

Yup🍜

[@keonikaauwauole4499]

Yup thats what he gets..

[@hildathompson1652]

I am Maori and I am so blessed to have mokopuna with Samoan, Nuie and Tongan blood. It is so good for all, that we learn true history. To appreciate our beautiful and blessed HERITAGE. Keep these coming please xxxxx

[@safuwanfauzi5014]

Samoa, Tonga, Niue and Tokelau have similar traditional architecture 'Samoa Fale', in Bali Indonesia, the Samoa Fale very similar to 'Jineng' roof, and Limasan and Joglo roof very similar to Fiji 'Bure Kalou'. Joglo Jawa in Indonesia very have connection to Fiji and Hawaii traditional architecture, no others people have roof look like 'Joglo and Bure Kalou' only Austronesian, others shape look like boat and bafflo horn like Minangkabau 'Rumah Gadang' or Minangkabau architecture, Batak 'Rumah Bolon in Sumatra', Palau, Micronesia, Guam and Marshall Island architecture. Bali, Javanese still used thatched/grass roof 'alang-alang grass' or 'Ijok', some used wood shingles. and for rich, noble and royalty used 'ceramic roof tiles' made from baked clay, similar they made red brick and pottery. red brick and volcanic stone are very common used around Champa Kingdom, Malay Peninsular, Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok, Coastal Borneo and Sulawesi, used to built tomb[makam], temple[candi], paving, road, foundation, palace and house.

[@MarleeCraig]

Before I even started watching this I said ' That man was killed because he mistreated the locals.' Colonial discrimination with unchecked powers. The NZ Govt is also to blame. Larsen sure did have it coming. Good riddance!

[@palepaioane4599]

Another awesome video teaching us about our Pacific history. I'm Samoan and New Zealand born but grew up not knowing these stories, so I'm grateful that we have channels like these to learn from. Your content is much appreciated! Thank you and keep up the good work 👌😊

[@graceywacey3435]

I’m from Fiji and these stories are prevalent throughout our Pasifika. I’ve watched this video over and over again and it is so moving to hear this story. Would be so nice to be made into a movie. Much Lolomas from 🇫🇯

[@aloha_oe311]

They only killed him and left his children unharmed. Tells you how badly this commissioner had treated the Niuen prisoners.. These were three men who just had enough.

[@ginasamuel2362]

And their offending very minor... Scary hearing that Larson also had some leader ship in the Cook Island Rarotonga..I like to know how he treated my people...

[@patricialauhingoa2001]

Good job wat goes around comes around

[@antmanatthemoment7233]

They caused cuts to his wife's arm, I'm not sure if I'd call them good guys to be fair

[@ssff2544]

So comforting to hear this story & your voice Shimpal. Love from a Coconut in Spain! x

[@DatBxtchJ4y]

They took the trash out!! Kia Kaha Niue💕💪

[@sandilynntuinei7053]

Thank you for the history lesson. My paternal grandfather was from Niue before relocating to American Samoa. I am always on the lookout for anything Niue-related.

[@chyanneashley378]

I'm all niuean if you want to know about me

[@jaykumbi]

I really enjoyed this video! This brought back memories. My father use to live in the Green house right next door and can remember when i use to spend the weekends there, the singing and dances coming from that house. Its so Great to see our Niuean Culture being acknowledged and kept. Very inspiring. Love you Niue!

[@joycelynpasifa3314]

‘History was written in blood’ What an amazing piece of Niuean history❤️🇳🇺

[@stepback3431]

It's not good history

[@leon-qx7dp]

@@stepback3431 its a great history. my people stood up for themselves and took out a piece of rubbish that treated them like second class citizens in there homeland

[@mokalotatogapunatama7933]

Fakaue lahi ma Shimpal. You have touched on this untold part of Niuean History. This truly showcases how colonization can affect a people's. My late Uncle Tamaeli and his 2 friends did Niue a great service 🙂

[@nisiliciouse]

Your uncle is a true warrior at heart 🙌🏾 Just by the part where a soldier was forced to strip naked infront of the village shows how disgusting Larsen really was. They saved so many lives by ending an evil man

[@JackSparrow-uq2sp]

Mokalota Togapunatama ....i salute your uncle and his three friends.....let their name be heard throughout the Pacific

[@chyanneashley378]

Bless our elders for the savior of our country

[@samihau3746]

The only crime these three prisoners committed was not feeding Mr Larsens body to the dogs

[@LomezBrown]

Thank you for telling these stories! Please keep them coming!

[@kolifehoko2741]

Wish they taught this in history class. Poly kids need to know the truth

[@lukerolleston4852]

What a truly amazing story. Like it was mentioned you couldn’t write this. This could be a movie. I just want to say as a Māori New Zealander, I’m so happy that the public fought to spare them from the death penalty New Zealand is far from perfect but I know generally we have good people here. It seems colonization has never worked for any first peoples no matter where it happened.

[@L4V1N4]

I'm so proud to be Niuean🇳🇺

[@stepback3431]

Because of this?should be ashamed

[@tomgorden3762]

Very touching story. Power to the people.

[@hemiproctor7155]

I can literally imagine a movie based off this story, a real touching story/history.

[@dianthaikimotu9861]

My great grandfather was the prisoner guard who had let the 3 prisoners out.

[@CodyPraud]

I was wondering how they were set free, they didn't mention that in the video. Do you know if your great grandfather got into any trouble from the government for helping them?

[@chyanneashley378]

Fuck the world. Niue in Niue out. Aloft is my village and mutalau. Wasn't born there born nz. Half niuean half native maori. Sorry larsen and his familia but this is how the game goes. Politics and gangs no the same thing. Strictly business

[@ufaman1563]

If true, bless his soul- We Hawaiians have been colonized and overthrown by military force- the white man continues his reign

[@user-kq4fc9gk9g]

@@chyanneashley378 shuuuuut up

[@stevelamore4284]

@@chyanneashley378 lmfao 🤣🤣🤣

[@KALIHI-ho2cz]

These are the kind of stories the world needs to know about all Pacific Islands‼️

[@pjmasks7185]

I'm so glad no one knows about that pos Larsen, 3 should be praised for their efforts I wonder how many ppl across the world were in similar situations and scared about the repercussions. So glad for this story to be told we need more of our Poly history to be taught.

[@ginasamuel2362]

Yes we do..

[@KingKong-xt9fk]

Those 3 that committed the justice, was way beyond there time 💯🙌🏾

[@feddytownucetuigamala-lolo6788]

We need more of this

[@arthurimona5901]

Very important to acknowledge our past. Well said! Great documentary. Been learning a lot about fellow islander countries through this channel. Much love from PNG & Poland!

[@phews07]

our Pacific stories like this need to be heard....long live the rock

[@Andy_M986]

The Hector Larsen story,good read,and he fully deserved what he got by all accounts.

[@sinivatepolamanu937]

6 tcc 6 6.

[@Filzkiiz]

YesSiRr!! Mate.. it's the Best thing when KZbin gets it right wit the Recommendations!! This was really good HISTORY! Very informative & definately interesting stuff! Thanks for sharing Champ.. much Appreciated! Definately look forward to watching the NEXT installment. Stay Bless and Stay Safe out there big FellA!!

[@Filzkiiz]

Ohh & 100%👍👍👍& suBB!

[@miriareu]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@TravelingTribe685]

Mad story! Keep it coming. Poor ol Larson didnt know the meaning of Niue fekai lol

[@RayLiufau]

Great watch. Need more of these stories being told. The TRUE HISTORY.

[@lolatupou8022]

Great history lesson for our Polynesian's world wide.👌❤🇹🇴

[@akolawrence1]

Great Piece! thank you for sharing.

[@Jojo-fh2yr]

The history we dont know. Love how Shimpal narrates!

[@bridgetteafuie5215]

Thank you for sharing this story 💯💢

[@galiki5555]

Well presented Bro 👍🏾

[@eniuneg6854]

Wouldn't it be nice if those 3 guys were still alive to tell there story

[@Ev1LAngeLXIII]

There is a book Would a Good Man Die? written by a New Zealand author Dick Scott, I have read the story myself, It does give accounts of the 3 men, photos also after their sentences were served in their life, post imprisonment.

[@GodiscomingBhappy]

i never heard there was a place called Niue before, this story was shocking, these 3 men were heroes.

[@polynesianpride7845]

These are the stories us Polynesian want to hear about. Ofa atu from Tonga

[@EmPee369]

thank you for this story

[@carsonsigrah4886]

Beautiful story,thank you for sharing

[@donnybrascocoliogne819]

Crikeys, so good that these unheard stories outside POLYNESIA is now available on Social Media n taken into consideration...Larson n his actions to the Tagata Whenua had been numbered until he got what was coming. These 3 in my eyes are HEROES, Bless my Polynesian brothers.

[@tykat7327]

Labour and National have been doing this to Kiwi's from day one..... The Crown the same thing since colonization, I mean since Imperialism.

[@bfayallday275]

Crying ❤ love this, thanks for sharing!

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

He got what he gave !! If he did what these elders said he did, well, for me, Justice was served on him !! I Love Island People and They got the wrong end of the knife!! Most Islanders that I know are Very Good People !! They have a Loving Spirit about them !! I actually am jealous that I am not one !! I would leave this Country in a hot minute if I was able to !! If I was young , I would sure try !! I am soon to be 71 years old, and I Love the way the elders are treated in any of the Island's. Here in the USA, the elderly are wharehoused in rest homes and convalescent hospitals, that take bad care of them !! When I was hospitalized a while back, the best care I was given was by an Islander, that was going to Nursing School, to get Her R.N. in Nursing !! She was awesome !! Someone needs to adopt me!! LMOAO !! Not just someone, but someone that lives in the Pacific Islands l! Luv Ya 💖💐🌹

[@yoooyooo385]

Niue is sooo clean cant wait to visit for the first time

[@yaaleeuce2872]

Same

[@johntalagisioneugafoodchan451]

Thank you Shimpel for this important history of Niue

[@lusimyer]

Thank goodness the wife and children were spared. I cant say I agree with murder as a solution...but I could understand why they did it. If Larsen was as they claim (?)then Im surprised it took them 10 years!

[@sionetukia8990]

Its necessary sometimes. There is a certain limit till someone starts seeing red.

[@antmanatthemoment7233]

His wife was hardly spared, she had cuts from the machete on her arm

[@paxiijonez]

Mean story Sefa. Keep em coming uho

[@prasadnaiquesai]

I like Niue because of its natural beauty like Goa,India and it is the first country to issue a coin with with a image of my Guru Shirdi Sai Baba in his honour.As a Sai devotee I thanked the people of Niue and sent the present premier of Niue for rightly doing so a letter.I pray to sai for peace,prosperity,devotion and happines to Niue.Om Sai Ram.

[@PrepperKiwi]

Wow, I’ve never even heard this story before!

[@missk1942]

Excellent.

[@johntalagisioneugafoodchan451]

New Zealand owes Niue an apology for this disgraceful incident

[@vaimoylan7197]

My husband snd i went to Niue, first time in 2017. I fell inlove with big caves, so many to explore many empty houses, coral farm lands where plantations thrive so well. There are no buses in Niue, but I hired a car for transportation. I love my ancestors land of the Rocks. Stay strong Niuean. May hod bless the island

[@lavinia3845]

Wish my grandparents told us nore stories about niue ❤ Glad i can speak the language my grandfather instilled in us before he left us. Thank you for this.I want my son to know some of these stories.

[@2763junior]

They did there country a great service

[@nodissdiss275]

awesome thank u

[@maxb294]

"if you want to test a man's character, give a man power"

[@Dave183]

Go for it mate! Am up with the Baker incident in Fiji... part of my wife's family legacy. Time to talk...

[@baytongan650]

we need more

[@johntalagisioneugafoodchan451]

My grandmother told me this story...my grandfather was released before the incident..

[@maysionetali6943]

It's fascinating hearing one of my parents history of their birth place. He could of made history as a Commissioner of Niue that help the people instead his memory was of a cruel man that died by that hands he mistreated. Would be so good to hear from the surviving men their story. Thank you

[@Nic-gp7oe]

Very interesting

[@Andy_M986]

Thanks Shimpal.

[@kevenwatson6443]

3 young men defending everyone on their island from an abusive tyrant 1st sentenced to death then jailed for years so sad

[@drphilbrown]

Although the book was written the title wasn't excepted by local Niuean. Yes stories were told New Zealand government still failed to except and acknowledged the Niuean for what gone wrong. Families are still waiting for the disclosure of the conviction of their family members.

[@goodgirl170]

This kind of reminds me of the stories from slavery with my ancestors in America. All kinds of things happened to them. Wicked and cruel things. I'm glad these three men stood up. A lot of my ancestors stood up to but there were too many Wicked people so Millions a black people died on the voyage over, during slavery and after. It's good to learn history

[@whooshkaboomie]

NZ Govt are just as much to blame for leaving Larsen for that long in Niue. Maybe he was a thorn within the NZ Administration, and that they shipped him out there as a riddance???

[@sw4nn__]

well he deserved it

[@RedSonja.]

Educational

[@Ainot246]

A typical and sad story happened back in the days for most of our small pacific island countries. So much to learn from, at times, with anger but hey, for us today's generation, so much have changed and we can only thank these folks who, in the eyes of the colonial masters, are thugs but for us, though it's a bad thing to kill, it has changed things, for better, in a way. We can only learn from our past.

[@c0nstant.elevati0n]

My man Shimp dropping knowledge

[@mtuk4538]

he was an ambulance driver from shorthand street 😳 🤣 😂 ...

[@wisper1169]

Grate story

[@tokoraider1942]

These three men are heroes

[@antmanatthemoment7233]

I think Larsen's wife and kids might have a different perspective on that

[@locc132]

She reminds me of my grandmother. Ofa lahi atu to all my Polynesians ✊🏽💯🇹🇴

[@brentonhorton6845]

Truly stunning..at such a time and an hour of reckoning for discipline and a world war at their doorstep.. and awareness and appreciation no matter how small would have been an advantage in such a remote location even isolation may have been a factor..only the islanders would ever be so sure...what the advantages and disadvantages were.and what brought them and provided them such a decided fate...and falling out..?

[@rickytosiro2836]

Love from Vanuatu. Brave indeed

[@onevaim5373]

They sound tongan. Beautiful story hopefully this becomes a movie

[@lift4life332]

Yeah language very similar

[@dawnrice84]

it's all about how you treat people - I'm so glad they got clemency

[@NUTTYWUN]

Hearing the old people say those things about Larsen “ He was a bad man” In my head I have all these swear words instead LOL

[@tye.v5269]

unc shimpal hope you been well💯🇳🇺🇳🇺

[@jayrocknit]

solid

[@chyanneashley378]

Niuean 3. You saved us. Amen.

[@harlzaotearoa7769]

Might be the darkest day of niue history my brother but Aotearoa (new zealand) got some pretty dark history. Like all the other polly islands.

[@JoshSmith-ec5qe]

I love a happy ending!

[@strongmanray]

My dad is 57yrs old and has a twin, both had some pretty bad up bringing in Niue.

[@ginasamuel2362]

OMG. Hearing This..What a Bloody Brute..

[@austindelossantos6286]

I’m proud of you guys on how your people took what is yours. As a Hawaiian I feel as our kingdom was weak cause of who we we’re fighting. America

[@MikeJTvq]

2nd! Here we go!

[@claudiaviliamu7061]

A part that was left out .. that day of hanging .. everything burned.. some secret of the island ..can't never be told ..and will always be a secret ... Stories a passed down for a reason . To share and hopefully not to be repeated ever again .

[@bfgbully1492]

Mean was always told this story by my grandfather

[@ivypirika8365]

Respect

[@rachelaaron8392]

I get it too

[@nisiliciouse]

Real warriors of Niue 🇳🇺!

[@ginasamuel2362]

Good on those fellas.. Enough is Enough.....

[@LevaianiZephaniah]

Eerily similar to the Sokehs Rebellion which occurred in Pohnpei, Micronesia (German colony) in 1910. Long story short, few native men took up resistance against the German administration after the German governor had flocked a village man and leaving him practically impaired from his wounds… this grievous act sealed the governors fate as he was hacked to death by the natives a few days later along with some of his security detail. The rebellion didn’t last long and it tragically ended in the public execution of the leaders of the resistance.

[@mohrmusic1992]

Please more stories on our beautiful islands

[@tlowl8652]

Happy I decided to go to Feilding high instead of Palmerston boys high

[@jtsmananapvlog2319]

I wish I could visit this country 🤗🤗

[@swoopy287]

May Niuen sunrise prosper into the sunset.. Solid acknowledging history my island brothers 🤙