Social History

Dairying on the West Coast began as early as 1868, and has since evolved into a multi-billion dollar export industry, employing large numbers of local West Coasters in production and processing. This blog provides a brief overview of the evolution of this important local industry. 

A first-time experience of someone who has never attended a Wildfoods Festival ever in his life. This blog will go over my time at the Wildfoods Festival that occurred on the March 11^th of 2023. This blog will contain my time there, and snippets of history regarding the Wildfoods Festival.

Leo Morland’s nefarious crime is a tale almost lost to time. This blog post explores how he became one of New Zealand’s last great gold thieves, as he managed to steal 3,650 ounces – over $10,000,000 in today’s value.

When the General Grant sank to the bottom of the ocean, James Teer led the remaining survivors on the harsh Auckland Islands. Our story tells the tale of his life, his work, and how he fared on the island for over 18 months.

This is a story of the Parihaka men who were illegally arrested and transported from Taranaki to Hokitika in 1880 without trial. During their time here, they worked on developing local roads, Cass Square and the Seaview terrace before their return in 1881.

In 1878 eight nuns and two postulants left their homes in Ireland for a journey to Hokitika to establish the Sisters of Mercy Convent and Schools. This story captures The Sisters of Mercy’s journey and early days in Hokitika.