The first law for the historian is that he shall never dare utter an untruth. The second is that he shall suppress nothing that is true. –Cicero

Thanks to our May speaker Jim Bolger

It was a relief to at last have the much postponed talk from the former Prime Minister. He didn’t disappoint and attracted a crowd of 60–70 who enjoyed his coverage of a wide range of recent world history. His theme was “how history repeats itself” and he covered recent developments in Afghanistan and the Ukraine as well as many other examples. 

Question time allowed Jim to give his views on topics ranging from the name of the country and China’s investment in New Zealand to the republic issue and whether the country benefits from being in the British Commonwealth. 

This month’s speaker – bone carver Owen Mapp

Well-known artisan Owen Mapp will talk on his life as a bone / ivory carver and the history of using bone in New Zealand.

For Owen a fascination of archaeology and ancient stone tool technology naturally lead into bone carving. I am attracted by ancient artefacts and attempt to translate their influences into contemporary concepts of lasting quality by creating a timeless object to be enjoyed now or in a thousand years’ time.

I’m interested in connecting people to their past through the contemporary carved object. Without craft, there is no art.

Owen will bring a range of carvings to display, which he’ll talk about and which folk can handle. He will also show flint Palaeolithic graver tools and an example of what they can do. And his book “Owen Mapp – 50 years an Artist Carver” will be available for $45.

• Tuesday 14 June, starting at 7.30 sharp.
• Kapiti Uniting Church, 10 Weka Road, Raumati Beach
• In the hall beyond the main church door and up a small set of steps.
• A koha would be appreciated.

The Speaker for the 12 July meeting

Mike Styles on Dyslexia – a challenge that affects perhaps 10% of the population and NZ’s sorry record in dealing with it.

from Anthony Dreaver—

Keeping the Marines Heritage Alive –

KHS members will be interested in our latest two projects.

One is the online launch by Nga Taonga and ourselves of the Norman Hatch Collection of photos and films that we helped to secure from two US archives, with images of the US presence that haven’t been seen in NZ before. Not only Paekakariki and Wellington, but also Auckland, Rotorua and Gisborne. 

The other project, is a record of Camp Paekakariki, at the northern end of Paekakariki village – in fact, most of the camp is now occupied by streets of houses. There will be a 10-metre set of panels telling the story. I do hope you might be able to attend on 21 June. Please distribute the invitation to members. We’d be grateful for RSVPs.

Confirmed speakers for the second half of the year—

August – John Robinson – Kohimarama 1860 – He Puapua 2020s 

September — Roger Childs – Enlightenment or indoctrination? What school kids will be learning about NZ History from 2023 

November — Mark Dickson – The changing Kapiti Coastline 

December –– David Hadfield – Barry Hadfield – first mayor of the Kapiti District