Christine Clement

Local authors and historians Christine Clement and Ellen McCormack have co-authored a comprehensive history of early Katikati settlers. The book covers the early years of the settlement from 1870 to 1910, containing the histories of over 125 pioneer families from Athenree to Apata. Many previously unpublished photographs, letters and testimonials’ are included within the book which had its impetus from Ellen's over forty years of research into Katikati's history.

The book details the triumphs and tragedies that befell the settlers. From the story of George Alley who established the Homewood Trust to assist returning soldiers from World War II, Reverend Katterns and his Ostrich farm, publican Barney MacDonnell the six-foot two big-bearded twenty stone Irishman who dealt out his own form of justice, Joseph Shaw who had his cow bails varnished, at least two men who had wives back in England as well as one in Katikati, World Champion axeman George McCauley, the honourable Charles Macmillan who was both mayor and MP for Tauranga, photographer Albert Diggelmann who experimented with trick photography and the honourable Randolph Thomas Rowley.

Christine has already published two books on the Te Puke settlement:

•Te Puke : nga tangata me nga wahi = people and places (2007).
•The pioneers, settlers and families of Te Puke and district (2011).

Both authors have previously published family histories. Four years of intensive research have gone into the Katikati book, which went on sale on Friday 10 May 2013. Copies can be obtained from Christine Clement at cmclement@clear.net.nz

Christine and Ellen have done a fantastic job of this book and I am excited to see three branches of my family, the McCauley's, Hamilton's and Crawford's included in this work.… (mehr)

An amazing amount of research has gone into this book on the history of Te Puke which covers the area from Papamoa to Otamarakau to Ngawaro including Maketu, Pukehina, Paengaroa and Pongakawa. It covers the early days, touching on settlors lives and giving the names of many people who played a role in the creation of this area. Important events are also covered and it is illustrated with maps, black and white photographs, and tables of facts and figures. Included are the Lady Jocelyn passenger list, electoral rolls (including the rare 1908 Eastern Maori), first day school pupils, the Arawa members of the Armed Constabulary, Rolls of Honour and covers the period from the arrival of the Te Arawa waka to 31 December 2006. The book has 400 pages, is hard back and is indexed to over 3000 surnames. A fabulous resource for anyone with ancestors in this area or the history of New Zealand.… (mehr)