Spirit of a Place – A New History of The Elms Te Papa Tauranga

Description

Temporarily out of stock

ISBN: 9780473731847
Title: Spirit of a Place – A New History of The Elms Te Papa Tauranga
Author: ELL SARAH

Hidden in the centre of a busy and
fast-growing city lies an oasis of calm, a picture-perfect house surrounded by
lush, well-tended gardens. Push open the wooden gate and find yourself
transported to another world, into a slice of living history carefully
preserved for nearly two centuries . . .







The Elms Te Papa Tauranga is one of
Aotearoa New Zealand’s most important heritage sites, bearing witness to more
than six hundred years of significant and at times turbulent history. The
Spirit of a Place is a captivating portrait of this unique site and all the
people who have made it their home.



Its story is Aotearoa’s
history in microcosm. It begins with the arrival of the first Polynesian
voyaging canoes to Tauranga Moana, then explores the arrival of Pakeha and the
complex interactions that followed. It describes the construction of a
magnificent house, the development of its gardens and farms, and the
devastating impact of war. And it tells the story of three generations of the
Maxwell family who, as a city grew around them, recognised this place’s significance
and dedicated their lives to preserving its physical and cultural fabric – the
spirit of the place.



Today, The Elms Te Papa
Tauranga is the city’s premier heritage visitor destination, inviting all to discover
its stories and learn about the history of Tauranga and New Zealand as a whole.
This fascinating new account shines light on all those who have lived here:
Maori and missionary, women and children, builders and gardeners, protectors
and preservers – the kaitiaki of its incredible legacy, which lives on into the
future.



Absorbing and
accessible, and generously illustrated with photographs, art and ephemera, The
Spirit of a Place celebrates the special position held by The Elms Te Papa
Tauranga in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Format: Trade Paper
Publication date: 01/08/2025
Pages: 328
Temporarily out of stock