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The Rawsons and the outbreak of World War One
WW1 – The outbreak, 1914, including at sea with Capt von Muller and SMS EmdenIn 2011 I wrote1 of the terror and dilemma faced by Taranaki citizens at the outbreak of an earlier war (1860) when, under...
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Te Tau Ihu Maori and the Taranaki Wars
On 17 March 1860 Government troops attacked the pa Te Kohia at Waitara, North Taranaki, stronghold of Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitaake of Te Atiawa and his followers. Te Rangitaake was deemed a rebel...
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Thomas Nelson Neal
Thomas Nelson Neal was born in Nelson, New Zealand on the 29th of November, 1842 to William and Amelia Neal (nee Matthews). William had came out on the ship Will Watch to survey for a new settlement...
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Rutherford and Pickering at Havelock School
In the last quarter of the 19th Century and the first quarter of the 20th Century, Havelock School was involved in the early education of two stellar minds, who were both involved in far-reaching...
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Havelock
Havelock was a goldrush town which, for a short time, nurtured two of New Zealand’s greatest scientists: Sir Ernest Rutherford and Sir William Pickering.The SS Manaroa leaving Havelock. [The Manaroa...
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Marlborough's Flax Industry
Marlborough had perfect growing conditions and was noted for the excellent quality of its flax.1 Native flax (Harakeke/Phormium tenax) grew in swampy land and on the low foothills and by the 1870s,...
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The first Taranaki War and Te Tau Ihu
The First Taranaki War (1860-1861) was an event of great significance in New Zealand history. The event took place in Taranaki, hence its name, yet its effects were felt throughout New Zealand and...
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The Great Blenheim Flood of 1923
Blenheim was built at the junction of two rivers as a river port, close to sea level1. Blenheim's early history was one of frequent flooding until extensive river works and diversions managed to tame...
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Edward Landon-Lane (1871-1945)
Edward, (or Ted as he was affectionately known) was a common face in Marlborough's early days and especially in his later life when he lived down at the Wairau Pa. Many of his descendants can still...
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What’s in a name – Wakatu or Whakatu?
Many Maori names of localities and landscape features are no longer known, and where they have been preserved, the reason for the name may have disappeared in the mists of time. In some cases, both the...
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Nayland Kindergarten
In September 1962, a meeting was held to consider the formation of a committee for the proposed Nayland Kindergarten. In those days, in order to have a new kindergarten, the committee was required to...
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Nayland Pool
The school, the pool and the boilerThe close relationship between Stoke’s Nayland Park Pool complex and Nayland College could be said to have started with a chat over a drink in the Nelson City Council...
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Fairweather and Sons of Scott Street.
William Fairweather came out to New Zealand in 1876 on the Rangitikei with his wife Christina McKay and daughter Violet. His eldest son was born during the voyage on the 27th of September. Before...
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K M Black of Nelson
Kenneth Black ran a grocery store in Bridge Street, Nelson. The building, with the words, 'K.M. Black' marked on it, is still here.I have connections with the store in two ways: it was my family's...
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The Neal Canoe 1902
In 1902, while whaling along Rarangi Beach, Edward Neal spied a long, overturned canoe somewhere along the beach. He returned with a team of horses and dragged the canoe to his home in Marshlands and...
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Brenda Green
1980-1983Richmond Borough Councillor Brenda GreenBrenda was born and bred as the saying goes, in England. After leaving school she trained as a florist and worked for an upmarket flower shop in London....
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Women Decision-Makers of Tasman 1944-2018
In 1893 when women gained the right to vote in central and local government elections there were several local authorities in the Tasman area. Gradually these have been amalgamated, culminating in the...
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Edward Landon-Lane (1871-1945)
Edward, (or Ted as he was affectionately known) was a common face in Marlborough's early days and especially in his later life when he lived down at the Wairau Pa. Many of his descendants can still...
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The Great Blenheim Flood of 1923
Blenheim was built at the junction of two rivers as a river port, close to sea level1. Blenheim's early history was one of frequent flooding until extensive river works and diversions managed to tame...
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HMS New Zealand visits Picton
In 1913, Picton was visited by the largest warship that had ever come to New Zealand, the HMS New Zealand.HMS New Zealand visits Picton. Picton Historical SocietyOur country was very proud, as the ship...
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