Tauranga’s seas and harbour waters are central in any historical account of its past - the zones where much of its history has been made and remade. This book charts the early evolution of Tauranga’s identity as an advantageous and contested living place, a central port for the Bay of Plenty’s commercial shipping, and the hinterland as a source of profitable, and sustainable export commodities.
It casts light on the fluid, shifting oceanic world of Tauranga Moana, initially inhabited by Polynesian migrants, and for hundreds of years by resident Māori iwi and hapū who plied its waters on a variety of waka. It identifies and describes visiting European explorers, whaling and musket trading ships, pirates of both races, sea-trader adventurers, fugitive convicts and sailors, shipwreck survivors, and bold sea captains from, and beyond the region.
The book explores the impact of Ngāti Maru, Te Arawa and Ngāpuhi war fleets on resident iwi and the remarkable artillery sieges of local pa during the Intertribal Musket Wars. It describes the sailing skills, arrival, and roles of the first missionaries, flax traders, colonial officials, and boat builders. The remarkable enterprise of local hapū during Tauranga’s shipbuilding and Auckland’s provisions booms is unveiled. It details the courage and seamanship of the captains and crews of Tauranga’s early trading fleets as they sailed the old shipping lanes between Tauranga, the Bay of Islands and Auckland.
Early Maritime Tauranga provides additional insights into the districts early social, military and commercial past. Richly illustrated with old sketches, paintings and photographs, familiar harbour and offshore locations will become more meaningful to readers. The study reveals the region’s unique history of interracial peace, co-operation and prosperity in the decades preceding the Anglo-Māori Wars (1860-1872). The breadth of research undertaken and the multi-faceted approach of the narrative, provide a fascinating and indispensable record of Tauranga’s pre-colonial, seafaring past.
ISBN 978-0-473-70190
Publisher:
Kererū Books. Soft cover, 382 pages
https://www.kereruhistorynz.co.nz/
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