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Historical
& Cultural
Stories

From Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

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Stories from the Top of the South

Welcome to The Prow, a website featuring historical and cultural stories from Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Māui is the Māori name for the top of the South Island. Legend tells us that Te Tau Ihu was the prow of Māui's waka, or canoe, from which he fished up the North Island.

Join our voyage and discover more about the history and stories of Te Tau Ihu. Search or browse the theme pages, our timeline or the map location feature, add your own story, or comment on any story. Contact us for further information or to provide feedback on our stories.

The Prow is a collaboration between Nelson Public Libraries, Tasman District Libraries and Marlborough District Libraries, the Nelson Provincial Museum, and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.  Images are supplied by supporting institutions, please check their terms of use.

Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Story of the Day

Telephones in Blenheim

When I see young folk walking along the footpath and communicating with their friends using text messages on their cell phones, I realise how far telephone communication has come in my lifetime.

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Recent Stories

council building 1903 ref no 320726

Nelson City Council - the origins

Wakefield Cornerlooking into Edward Street

Wakefield street names

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Nelson School of Music 1914 - 1945

Ben Crisp

Ben Crisp and the Band of Hope

AlfredSaunders

How Brightwater got its name

Robert EllisBB5

Robert Ellis and Brightwater's electricity

BrightwaterSchoolforgirls

Brightwater's School for Girls - 1880-1889

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Brightwater's School for Boys - 1888-1889

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Spring Grove School

Wairoa River 1893

Brightwater Tuna

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