We’ve found some more hidden gems at Te Pātaka, this time about Aotearoa’s flora. Learn about vegetables that grow in our freshwater and coastal areas, waka carvers and farmers telling the story of the “mighty totara” tree, the iconic New Zealand pasture that was originally artificially created and learn about how seeds were precious during the colonial period. Read stories about how the landscape became what we see today.
Rauwaru, the proverbial garden : Ngā-weri, Māori root vegetables, their history and tips on their use / Roskruge, Nick
“The third booklet in a series aligned to Maori foods. 118 pages which introduce over 30 ngaweri or Maori green vegetables sourced from, the forest or bush, as weeds in cultivations, or as crops. Each ngaweri is introduced including whakapapa references, botanical status, utility and culinary use where possible. The book also includes recipes, a glossary of Maori terms and an example of the maramataka Maori.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Tōtara : a natural and cultural history / Simpson, Philip
“The ‘mighty totara’ is one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary, biggest and oldest trees. It’s the heart of Maori carving and culture, as fence posts on settler farms, clambered up in the Pureora protests of the 1980s: the story of New Zealand can be told through totara. In words and pictures, through inside waka and leaves, farmers and carvers, the author takes us deep the trees: their botany and evolution, their role in Maori life and lore, and their environmental and cultural significance.” (Adapted from Amazon.com)
The botanical adventures of Joseph Banks / Harrison, Christina
“Sir Joseph Banks was a true botanical adventurer and pioneer. Not only did he reveal the floral wonders of the South Seas, New Zealand and Australia to European eyes, but he set Kew Gardens on its path to becoming the world’s foremost botanic garden, bringing in a wealth of rare and useful plants, which had far-reaching impact. Banks was uniquely privileged and no-one before or since has had such influence in the sphere of botany.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Wellington’s heritage : plants, gardens and landscape / Shepherd, Winsome
“When the first European settlers arrived at Petone in 1840 and were expected to turn the heavily forested and swampy land into a city. The New Zealand Company decided to develop flat land at Thorndon, and the settlement of Wellington had begun. Plants and seeds were previous items brought by the settlers. The first Horticultural Society joined the local Maori and shared seeds, plants, cuttings, produce and expertise, before the Botanic Garden and Town Belt were developed. (Adapted from the Catalogue)
“Nick Roskruge, introduces over 30 korare, or Maori green vegetables sourced from freshwater or coastal areas, the forest or bush, as weeds in crops, or actually as crops. eg: kokihi, puha, porporo, kopakopa, rerewai and many others. It aims to increase knowledge of korare by offering accessible histories and practical everyday recipes, whakapapa and some nutritional values, plants and weeds.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
A history of gardening in New Zealand / Dawson, Bee
“Bee Dawson is a social historian who researches on history of people, places and garden such as the air force and Puketiti Station. She traces the development of gardening in New Zealand, from the Maori gardens of pre and early contact times through the optimistic efforts of missionaries and the other early settlers, the magnificence and productivity of the Victorians and Edwardians and the Dig for Victory campaigns of the 1940s.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Plant heritage New Zealand = te whakapapa o nga rakau : interpreting the special features of native plants / Foster, Tony
“Plant Heritage New Zealand looks at the unique characteristics of New Zealand’s plants, what makes them so special. It delves into the origins and evolution of the plants, how they have inspired songs, poems and works of art, Maori myths, stories and proverbs associated with them, and their many uses as a natural resource. How have plants grown and adapted in New Zealand’s very distinctive climate?” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Hauturu : the history, flora and fauna of Te Hauturu-o-Toi Little Barrier Island
“Often described as the most intact native ecosystem in the country, Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island holds a special place in the minds of all New Zealanders interested in preserving our country’s unique natural heritage. The story of Hauturu is of the people and wildlife who have lived there. Also about the early history, its beginnings as the country’s first nature reserve, and the conservation work since 100 years ago.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
Seeds of empire : the environmental transformation of New Zealand / Brooking, Tom
“The traditional image of New Zealand is one of verdant landscapes with sheep grazing on lush green pastures. Yet this landscape is artificial created. As Britain became increasingly reliant on its overseas territories for supplies of food and raw material, so all over the Empire indigenous plants were replaced with English grasses to provide pasture and its produces. This process in New Zealand was carried with forest cleared and swamps drained.” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
A tohunga’s natural world : plants, gardening and food / Moon, Paul
“In this remarkable sequel to his ground-breaking Tohunga: Hohepa Kereopa (2003), historian Dr Paul Moon again travels deep into Tuhoe territory – and deep into its past – to uncover a wealth of material. This time he reveals his discussions with Hohepa Kereopa on traditional plants, cultivation, gardening, foods, medicines, and other aspects of the natural Maori world. This book is indispensable for anyone with an interest in customary Maori life, and provides a unique perspective on the work of a great tohunga at the height of his powers.” (Catalogue)
Kauri : witness to a nation’s history / Orwin, Joanna
“One of the largest trees in the world, the kauri is a natural wonder and a New Zealand icon. Its immense trunk has supplied timber for every conceivable use from Maori war canoes to modern European homes. Today the last remaining stands of kauri forest are preserved carefully, a must-see for locals and visitors. The tree’s presence looms over the colonial period and beyond, and is carved into architectural treasures and modern works of art, and the very stuff from which the flagpoles at Waitangi. ” (Adapted from the Catalogue)
