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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.

Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Story of the Day

George Lawrence

George Lawrence and the elephants of Wakefield The Waimea South Historical Society was recently gifted two intriguing photographs, of elephants bathing in the Wai-iti River and penned beside the Methodist Church on the corner of Arrow and Edward Street, Wakefield. Elephants bathing in the Wai-iti River.

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lawrence elephants bathing in the River Waiiti. George Lawrence Collection Tasman District Libraries

Recent Stories

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Father Antoine Marie Garin (1810-1889)

Fairfield 1913

Fairfield House and garden

Nelson College fire

Early Nelson College

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Shakespeare Bay

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St Andrews Church and early Wakapuaka

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Early colonial life in Nelson

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Wakapuaka North

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Capt William Tinney

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Main trunk railway line

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Isaac Jacobsen - colonial Nelson architect and builder

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