Taranaki Branch
Past Events
Cenotaph History - March 2026
The cenotaph in New Plymouth is a replica of the one in in Whitehall, London. Photo: Puke Ariki Heritage Collections
New Plymouth’s cenotaph was unveiled on Tuesday, September 16, 1924 at 2.30pm.
A replica of the cenotaph in Whitehall, London, it was made out of locally quarried stone and features sculpted laurel wreaths and “Crusader’s crosses” on its four sides.
Branch meeting - June 2025
The Hawera Genealogy Society hosted our meeting on a miserable and very wet day. What an adventure for the 4 of us who turned up. There were more members from Hawera Genealogy than us, which was a bit embarrassing.
Branch meeting - August 2024
10 members met on 9 August at the Genealogy rooms to hear from Peter Rankin, the story of his early life in New Plymouth and his great great grandfather, William Batten.
William, a widower with 7 children, arrived in New Plymouth on the to become a well-known farmer in the Kent Road (now Junction Road) area. His 2 sons were active in the Militia during the Taranaki Wars.
Branch meeting - May 2024
31 May 2024,
9 members attended a presentation by Graeme Sykes at St. Andrews Church in Inglewood. The current Church opened in 1923 and was closed in 2019 with earthquake risk. The Church is an historical site and is known as a Peace Memorial commemorating the 137 soldiers who perished in the 1st World War. Parishioners currently worship in the Church Hall.
Commemorative meeting - March 2024
May 5, 2024
We hosted our annual commemorative service at the NZ Founders plaque on the coastal walkway after enjoying a lunch meeting at Cobb & Co.
Our speaker was Major Terry Heese from the Salvation Army. Terry spoke of his Cornish ancestry and his families journey with the Salvation Army. His wife Glenys is also a Major in the Salvation Army.
Branch Christmas lunch 2023
November 28, 2023
Adrienne Tatham proudly showed her Kiwibank Local Hero medallion, which she received as one of 100 recipients under the Volunteer of NZ awards. This is a valued recognition of Adrienne's work with our iconic Pukekura Park and her involvement as Patron and Friends of the Park volunteer group.
We will resume activities again in 2024 and wish all a safe and happy festive season
Branch September meeting
November 28, 2023
Adrienne Tatham shared with us the consultation currently happening on proposed major changes to this Botanical park in the centre of town. She encouraged us all to follow the proceedings and have our opinions on the proposed changes.
Visit to the New Plymouth Genealogy Society
July 30, 2023
Members were shown the historical and current/ongoing records that are held by the society and the information that is available for reading and research.
Visit to Fun Ho Museum
June 12, 2023
Fun Ho toys were a great favourite for many, and there is an amazing collection and repair service available at the museum.
The Fun Ho! National Toy Museum displays all models that were produced between 1935-1982, the toy making period of Underwood Engineering Co.
March activities
May 22, 2023
The Taranaki branch of NZ Founders held two events during March 2023.
Following our Commemorative lunch and reflection time at the Founders plaque on the walkway, discussion took place on how we could enhance the plaque to make it more visible to the public. The committee think this is a good idea and will make enquiries with the Council and local iwi, Ngamotu, to consider options.
Members meeting where Keith Wills shared his family connections in Tikorangi and Westown.
Meeting January 2023
Jan 27, 2023
18 members met on 27th January 2023 at the Jury home for a presentation on Bernard Aris a local Taranaki painter. Many examples of his paintings were on display with viewing available after a power point presentation which was very informative about the artist and also local historical points of interest in his subject matter. A very interactive afternoon with members also bringing their own paintings to share stories.
Christmas lunch - November 2022
November 27, 2022
We met at The Devon Hotel for a Christmas lunch and had Jay Ruka, Dean of St. Mary's Cathedral as our guest speaker. St. Mary's is undergoing major changes with a relocation on the site of the vicarage, a new building TUIA TE MUKA TANGATA - WEAVING PEOPLE TOGETHER and earthquake strengthening of the Cathedral. A $20million plus project.
Visit to Tikorangi
October 2, 2022
On September 30 2022, the Taranaki Branch of NZ Founders visited Tikorangi for the history of the area and viewing the local cemetery. Guest speaker, Peter Wilson shared the history of the area from his recently published book "Effort and Enterprise" which members can be seen looking at in the photo.
AGM 2022
May 7, 2022
Tony Parr spoke on the occasion of the 181st anniversary of the first settlers on the William Bryan on 30 March 1841.
Taranaki Student Literary Awards
Taranaki Heritage Tales
New Plymouth history
The Pyramid man who planted an impossible forest
Inglewood 150 years
