1. Introduction The majestic Kauri tree, Agathis australis, stands as a symbol of New Zealand’s rich natural heritage. Revered for their grandeur, these ancient giants can reach heights of up to 50 meters and are among the largest and oldest trees in the world. Kauri forests once spanned vast areas of the North Island, hosting […]
Kauri and the Environment: Myths vs Facts for Kiwis Read More »
Introduction to Sustainability and Māori Perspectives The concepts of sustainability and environmental conservation are not just modern principles but are deeply rooted in many indigenous cultures around the world, including the Māori of New Zealand. For the Māori, the environment is a source of life and identity, where every element of nature is interconnected and
Kauri timber Many years ago, long wide planks of faultless, superb timber were cut from the mighty kauri tree trunks. The timber was used for many purposes: ship building (including masts and spars of sailing ships), houses, furniture, bridges, fences, dams, patterns (used for metal casting), vats and tanks, barrels, large rollers (in the textile
Along with significant collections of operational machinery, natural history specimens and social history artefacts, The Kauri Museum holds extensive documentary and photographic archives relating to the kauri forests and the timber and gum industries. The Museum is also guardian to archives relating to the family histories and genealogies of the early European families of the
The Kauri Museum has embarked on a new digital age. The Museum has always been a hands on experience, but has now declared itself a selfie friendly zone with a new website, mobile app and audio tour so visitors are able to enjoy the Museum digitally, as they explore the galleries. This innovative digital experience also includes a
Percy Smith (aka Tatty) is a grandson of early pioneering settlers, Richard and Catherine Smith. Tatty and his sisters, Mavis and Clarice, played an important role in establishing the Museum and Tat was well known for turning his hands to anything practical that was required. Tat has until recently been fulfilling the starring role of The Kauri Museum’s Gumdigger, carving gum while
So where has Tat (aka Percival Smith) been all this time? Poor Tatty, while his nickname was originally bestowed on him for his birthplace of Tatarariki, people began to question whether it was for another reason entirely, so Tat was removed from display for a clean and spruce-up from the museum’s Collections team. Back on public
“What’s in a name? that which we call a roseBy any other name would smell as sweet” So said Juliet to her Romeo sometime between 1591 and 1595 when it is believed that William Shakespeare wrote those words. Here at The Kauri Museum we have a living collection of more than 120 roses, many of
The local Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Show at Paparoa was one of the highlights of the annual social calendar for early settlers. First held in 1876 at Pahi, then rotating between Paparoa, Maungaturoto, Pahi and Matakohe, ‘the Show’ has been at its current location in Paparoa since 1890. In 1962, the Paparoa and Matakohe districts
New Zealand Kauri (Agathis australis) has significant cultural significance, to Maori and more recent settlers alike. These towering giants represent an important connection for Maori spiritual beliefs. Their prized timber and gum (the resin produced by the tree that over time becomes a young amber), formed the industries that shaped modern New Zealand. The Kauri
