History – Generosity saves kauri

Visitors to the Warkworth and Districts Museum often express interest in the history of the kauri park and the significance of the naming of the trees. The 21-acre park which surrounds the museum buildings was originally part of the property farmed by the McKinney family. Rev. Robert and Mrs McKinney arrived in New Zealand in the ship Martaban in October 1856 and moved to Mahurangi to establish the Presbyterian Church later in the same year. Like most early settlers, they farmed a few acres cleared from the bush, planted fruit trees and looked to the land to provide for their growing family.

The property was retained by one of their sons until July 1919 when it was reported that the Simpson family were newly-arrived in Warkworth, having purchased part of the McKinney farm. It became home to several generations of Simpsons and judging by the regular advertisements for firewood, which appeared in the local press, a considerable clearance of manuka and other trees was taking place.

As time went by, large kauri trees were becoming more unusual and the trees on the Simpson property were a known attraction often shown to visitors to Warkworth, with the Simpsons willingly granting access across their land. When eventually the land was sold to Mr D. Ingham, it was made a condition of sale that should he ever wish to dispose of the trees he would first offer them to the Warkworth Town Council. In the mid-1960s, this opportunity presented itself but the council had no funds for such a purpose. It was then that the help of two former kauri bushmen was enlisted.

Harry Parry and Tudor Collins accepted the challenge to raise the funds to save the kauri. Both men made considerable personal donations as well as appealing to their friends from the Kauri and Native Bushmen’s Association. So the men who had once made their living felling kauri were now working to save the forest that was left.

Contributions also came from the wider community until £4000 was raised. The land was vested in the council but the Kauri Bushmen requested that the naming of the reserve be granted to their association. The park was named Parry Kauri Park and the drive leading to the trees Tudor Collins Drive. The trees were named respectively the McKinney kauri and the Simpson kauri.

Work goes on each year planting native species to rebuild the forest. The boardwalk through the bush is well used by the many visitors who enjoy the park. Children come from city schools to learn about the kauri trees, their history, and the care needed if they are to have a future. Harry Parry in his long life supported many charities, including Boystown. I think he would smile if he could see the children enjoying the heritage area he helped to save. It is a fitting memorial to him and to all the kauri bushmen whose skills shaped a part of our history.

Museum Open Day

The Warkworth Museum will hold an Open Day, as part of the Kowhai Festival, on Sunday, October 5. Working exhibits and activities for children; admission is free.