Author Description

"The Kauri Museum at Matakohe tells the fascinating story of pioneering settlers through their use of kauri timber and its gum. The kauri is the largest tree in the forest and grows to a huge size. Its timber was very important as a building material here and abroad; for homes, furniture and ships. The trees also bled a gum that was dug from the land and exported to make varnish, linoleum and other products. Settler first came to Matakohe and nearby Paparoa in 1862. This Museum was established to celebrate their centennial and pay tribute to those early pioneers. The Kauri Museum is administered by a charitable trust, the Otamatea Kauri and Pioneer Museum Board."--Cover verso.