West to the Annie – Renata Kawepo’s Hawke’s Bay Legacy

Notes

Tony Robinson editor.
Includes index. Erratum slip page 400.
A landscape history / Simon Stokes – Maori occupation (1400-1830) / Patrick Parsons – Repatriation and colonisation / Patrick Parsons – The pioneer settlers / Patrick Parsons – Pioneer routes to the interior / Patrick Parsons – Okawa / Tom Lowry – Matapiro / Matthew Forde – Otamauri Block / Ralph Beamish – Mangawhare / David Hildreth and David Ward – Ohiti/Waitio / Mervyn Harper – Pukehamoamoa / Mervyn Harper – Tuna Nui / John Russell – The Omahu Block / Patrick Parsons – Crownthorpe, World War One and World War Two / Frances Shotter – Education / Linda Ward – The spiritual needs of the district / Nola McAulay – Recreation and sport / Nola McAulay – Final thoughts / Tony Robinson – Appendix: People and places of significance / Patrick Parsons – Appendix: The Earthquake / Nola McAulay.

Description

A history of that part of Hawke’s Bay bounded by the Ngaururoro and Tutaekui rivers, Fernhill and the Kaweka Ranges.

The book firstly examines the diverse and spectacular natural history of its many landforms and then brings its rich and colourful Maori heritage to life, giving us insights into how and why the area was settled. Pioneer stories abound as we see how the old coach roads are opened up and a rugged and at times unforgiving country becomes populated. There are eight chapters on the family blocks which began as vast sheep stations and are still proud farms today. Education, the effects of the War years and the Depression, Sport and Recreation are also highlighted with many warm-hearted and telling reminiscences.

The 18 chapters by 13 different authors are delivered with sensitivity and good humour and in a way that the excitement and respect for the past are always paramount.

Other Details

Illustrations (some colour), maps