I wrote and illustrated Country Churches of New Zealand. It was published in 2002 by New Holland, Publishers and is still on sale in bookshops. The publishers have kindly agreed to me re-publishing some of the book’s images and descriptions in this blog.
Nukumaru's Tutahi Church has a modest appeal that belies its important history.
It's on the site of Ngati Ruanui leader Titokowaru’s fortified pa, Tauranga-Ika, which he abandoned in 1869 to the colonial constabulary towards the end of the Taranaki land wars.
Enmity set aside, the local people, Ngarauru, built the church in 1883 as a symbol of their commitment to Christianity and to mark a bonding of Maori and European.
Tutahi, meaning 'stands as one', is a multi-denominational church.
© DON DONOVAN
donovan@ihug.co.nz
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