There's hope an expression of regret by the UK Government to the ancestors of Maori killed by Captain Cook's men will lead to a way forward for both sides

British High Commissioner Laura Clarke met Gisborne-based iwi yesterday to acknowledge the pain of those first encounters and extended her sympathy.

Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust chairperson, Moera Brown, says it's the iwi's first engagement with a foreign government that's resulted in a process to recognise their shared past.

She says they've agreed to jointly pursue the acquisition and transfer of knowledge between iwi and the UK, through educational scholarships for young people.