A Snapshot of Tauranga

Construction of Cliff Road Apartments
Image courtesy of the Tauranga Heritage Collection

Two years ago the Tauranga Heritage Collection began digitizing a selection of over 2000 photographic slides taken during the 1960s by Robert Gale. The Gale family moved to Tauranga at the beginning of that decade and Robert taught at Merivale School for several years.

Tauranga’s Town Hall in all its glory
Image courtesy of the Tauranga Heritage Collection

Photography was his hobby and obsession, and he was a keen member of the Tauranga Photographic Society. He is remembered as the man who cycled from his home in Fourth Avenue to capture people, places and events around Tauranga.

Tauranga’s Courthouse before the makeover
Image courtesy of the Tauranga Heritage Collection

Fast forward to a month ago. Another collection of Gale slides have come to light thanks to the keen eye of Historical Society member and photography legend, Alf Rendell, who, when given the slides recognized their historical value. They too are being digitized.

Tauranga’s Town Clock and a view of Spring Street
Image courtesy of the Tauranga Heritage Collection

Here is selection of these slides which provide a tiny glimpse into the amazing photographic record Robert Gale created of Tauranga in the 1960s.