Explore the compelling narrative of Thomas Potts of Canterbury, a critical figure in New Zealand’s early history and environmental conservation. This brand-new paperback, measuring 170 x 240 mm and comprising 342 pages, beautifully captures the life and writings of the controversial settler and conservationist. Authored by Paul Star and published by Otago University Press on 20-09-2020, this book takes an in-depth look at Potts' dual role as a colonist and an advocate for nature.

Thomas Potts emerged as a prominent voice in the 1850s, famously protesting against deforestation in the Port Hills, near Christchurch. His later tenure as a Parliament member marked a pivotal shift towards forest conservation in New Zealand policy. Through engaging narratives, Potts introduced revolutionary concepts of protecting native birds on island reserves and forming national parks, laying the groundwork for modern conservation efforts.

This book not only recounts Potts' life from England to New Zealand but also features excerpts from his vivid diaries documenting the early days of European settlement, unpublished until now. Additionally, the book includes eleven essays from the 1880s, revealing Potts’ reflections on the socio-environmental changes of his time regarding Indigenous M?ori and P?keh? communities. Sixteen pages filled with contemporary images enhance the historical context, making this book essential for readers interested in the overlapping narratives of colonization and environmentalism.

Perfect for history enthusiasts and those passionate about conservation, Thomas Potts of Canterbury serves as a remarkable lens into the challenges of balancing development and preservation. Secure your copy today and delve into a pivotal chapter of New Zealand's environmental history.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ, which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty, or tax.

CONDITION: Brand New
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 342
Bind: paperback
Author: Paul Star Publisher: Otago University Press
Publication Date: 20-09-2020

In 1858 Canterbury settler Thomas Potts protested against the destruction of t?tara on the Port Hills near Christchurch. A decade later, as a member of Parliament, he made forest conservation a national issue. Through his writing he raised the then novel idea of protecting native birds on island reserves, and proposed the creation of national ‘domains’ or parks. As a pioneering colonist, acclimatist and runholder, however, Potts’ own actions threatened the very environments he sought to maintain. This makes him a fascinating subject as we confront present-day problems in balancing development and conservation. This book is about, and partly by, Potts, and through him about New Zealand and the course and consequences of colonisation. It describes and interprets his life, from his early years in England through to his 34 years in New Zealand. Excerpts from Potts’ vivid 1850s diary, written from close to the edge of European settlement, are published here for the first time. Thomas Potts of Canterbury also reproduces 11 long-forgotten essays by him from the 1880s, in which he reflected on the 1850s and what had happened since – both to New Zealand’s natural environment and to M?ori and P?keh?. Sixteen pages of contemporary images supplement the text. Thomas Potts of Canterbury will appeal to anyone interested in the early history of Canterbury, in environmental change, and in early efforts in New Zealand towards conservation. It is a story of conflicting goals, magnificently exemplified in the life and writings of a man who strove, 150 years ago, to be both colonist and conservationist.

We are happy to combine shipping. Smartfox is a NZ owned business located in Auckland. This product is in stock in NZ which means no unexpected import charges, custom duty or tax.