Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Press Release - for immediate release
Launch Of Taranaki Entry On The Encyclopedia Of New Zealand www.Teara.Govt.NZ
Songs about mascot Ferdy the Bull, old newsreels about the search for oil, Roy Brewster’s ‘Beehive House’, and images of
Len Lye, calf club days, Polish settlers and iconic Mount Taranaki all feature in a new entry on Taranaki in Te Ara –
the online Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
Written by Taranaki based historian Ron Lambert this extensive entry lays out Taranaki’s rich and diverse history. It
covers the region’s stunning natural geography, its powerful Māori history, agricultural and industrial development, and
proud cultural history.
“Often referred to as the ‘naki, Ron Lambert’s entry tells the story of Taranaki, through its history, geography,
culture and industry.”
“The Te Ara website is a widely accessed resource for comprehensive and reliable information about New Zealand, its
people, places and history. The Taranaki entry will be an invaluable resource for schoolchildren, their parents, those
interested in the region, and local and international visitors to Taranaki.” Te Ara General Editoῲ Dr Jock Philips said.
It contains numerous video clips, audio, interactive resources and an exhibition of images on Flickr (a web-based photo
sharing community) contributed by the community.
The full entry is available on http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki.
It will be launched by local MP Jonathan Young at the Civic Centre, New Plymouth at 5.30pm on 11 December, on behalf of
the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Hon Christopher Finlayson.
Media are invited to attend the function, and interviews can be arranged with Ron Lambert, author and historian, and Dr
Jock Phillips, General Editor of Te Ara, Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Images from the site are also available.
Interesting facts in the entry include:
• Iconic New Zealand clothing manufacturer Swandri originated in Waitara, Taranaki
• Between 1901 and 2009 Mt Taranaki appeared on 25 individual New Zealand postage stamp designs. Few other
topographic features in New Zealand have achieved such coverage.
• New Zealand’s first oil refinery opened at New Plymouth in July 1912
• The first-ever clash between Māori and British troops took place on the Taranaki coast in 1834.
• Collecting the edible wood ear fungus (Auricularia cornea), also known as Jew’s ear or Taranaki wool, was a
booming industry in Taranaki in the late 19th century and was exported to China.
• New Plymouth’s Govett Brewster Gallery is home to a significant collection and archive of acclaimed New Zealand
Artist Len Lye’s works.
Ends.