Our stories

14/08/2025 | Northland

Northland's premier historic places first line of defence in WWII

The 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on August 15 has deep significance for Northland given its importance as a first line of defence against an anticipated Japanese invasion from the north.

02/07/2024

Tohu Whenua sites fill historical gaps as Kaitaia Primary turns 150

On April 7-10th 2025, Kaitaia Primary School will celebrate it’s 150th anniversary. With limited information about the school’s earliest educational activities, nearby Tohu Whenua sites Kerikeri Mission Station (Kororipo Heritage Park) and Te Waimate Mission Station are helping to fill some of the gaps.

20/05/2023

Learn history where it happened with Tohu Whenua

Tohu Whenua landmarks tell some of our nation’s defining stories, which makes them ideal for students learning our history.

13/05/2023 | West Coast

Denniston - Life on the hill

A gathering 30 years ago of hundreds of former Denniston residents sparked the idea of Friends of the Hill, a community group that’s still actively connected to the coal-mining town – despite it being home to just a handful of people today

31/05/2022

Royal visits to Tohu Whenua

Did you know that Queen Elizabeth II has visited Aotearoa New Zealand on ten occasions, between 1953 and 2002? Here are some of the Tohu Whenua she included in her itineraries.