Foraging and Hunting on Pae Korokī

According to Tauranga City Libraries Heritage Specialist Harley Couper, whether you're "foraging or hunting" there is something for everyone on Pae Korokī, the library’s recently launched online gateway to historical information. Indeed, after learning more about Pae Korokī at February’s Historical Society meeting, I thought it would be interesting to go foraging and share a few highlights.

Image courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries Pae Korokī

One of the first things to note is that most of the stories on the soon to be retired Tauranga Memories website have been transferred to Pae Korokī and can be found curated under the ‘Stories’ navigation menu on the home page. Information collated by librarians, community members and local historians such as Ellen McCormack and Christine Clement continue to be accessible.

A visit to 'Archives’ was next and this category contains some real treasures including the Tauranga Borough Council rate books and the outward letter book of the District Surveyors Office in Tauranga between 1866 and 1868. However, it was the diaries that caught my eye; those of Te Puna farmer Thomas Lochhead in particular. Twelve of his diaries, dating from 1883-1905, have been digitised and more will follow.

Image courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries Pae Korokī

One of the most popular features of Pae Korokī will undoubtedly be ‘Images’ where visitors can access an ever-increasing number of photographs that reveal the people, places and events of this region. Stand outs include the Gifford-Cross and Photo News collections. However, a real surprise was the selection of stills taken during the 1935 filming of ‘Hei Tiki’. Described as an important piece of New Zealand film history these stills must be unique.

Image courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries Pae Korokī

Onto ‘Maps’ and this section contains some intriguing hand drawn and annotated maps, including a sketch map of Katikati district and a map that shows the Maori occupation of Mauao. If this wasn’t enough, with ‘More’ visitors can search publications including the Journal of the Tauranga Historical Society 1955 to 1982 and listen to oral history recordings.

Image courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries Pae Korokī

Not only will Pae Korokī be a first stop when I’m researching, it will also be a place to visit when I have time on my hands and the urge to learn more about where I live.