Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Te Au-rere-a-te-tonga, a history, a book commissioned by Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Governance Group and compiled by Michele Frey has been awarded the best local history publication by the Palmerston North Heritage Trust.
Ms Frey says she is honoured to receive the award, which is a recognition of contributions made by the wider Te Āpiti community.
“The book was an eight year long journey that introduced me to many people who were so open and willing to share their stories and connections with this truly unique and treasured place,” says Ms Frey.
“It has been fantastic to capture narrative around the unique landform, past and present flora and fauna, its rich Māori and early European history and stories of some of the inhabitants, as well as the history of rail and the construction of the road, and different land use such as farming, wind farms and walking tracks.
“Complementing contributions from iwi, landowners, Horizons Regional Council, Palmerston North City Council, Department of Conservation, local historians, and community members are images from David Lupton and others which helps bring the book to life.”
On behalf of Ms Frey, Te Āpiti – Manawatū Gorge Governance Group and Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith and Horizons Regional Council’s community biodiversity advisor Neil Mickleson accepted the Best Local History Book award at a Palmerston North Heritage Trust function on Wednesday 10 November.
