On a balmy Hawke’s Bay afternoon, in the beautiful gardens at historic Duart House, Michael Fowler, Hawke’s Bay historian, launched “A Beacon on the Hills”.

“When Duart was new, it stood out like a beacon on the bare hills of Havelock”.

It is a new social history of Duart House and the McLeans of Havelock North

Author, Rose Chapman, recipient of the 2018 New Zealand Founders Research Book Award, was a former resident kaitaiki (caretaker and guardian) at Duart House from 2008 to 2013. Rose now lives in Waipawa, Central Hawke’s Bay, and has been researching this book for over ten years.  

Hawke’s Bay Branch President Paddy Bayley and her husband Richard, Branch Secretary were honoured to represent New Zealand Founders Society at this launch.

To order a copy of the book for $45 download the order form.