Dr Philip Simpson is presenting the next of the regular Nature Talks.
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The next Nature Talks presentation, on Tuesday, May 21, is Nature and cultural features of totara, with particular reference to Whanganui by Dr Philip Simpson.
Totara is one of New Zealand's quintessential trees. Who hasn't heard the tribute, "A mighty totara has fallen in the great forest of Tane," with
reference to the passing of someone illustrious? The species is valued by both Maori and Pakeha, not only because of its stately appearance, but also for the many uses made of its wood and bark.
The wood, especially the heartwood, is strong and durable, protected from decay by the antimicrobial compound totarol. Totara wood has a straight grain that makes it easy to split longways, allowing it to be used for building houses, fences, railway sleepers and canoes, among others. It was the primary wood used in traditional Maori carving, its relatively light weight, long straight lengths and durability making it ideal for constructing waka and pou.
The Whanganui River has important links with totara, with many ecologically and culturally significant trees and places, including Kemp's Pole, at the junction of the Kauarapaoa Stream and the Whanganui River, upstream from Kaiwhaiki, and the great waka taua (war canoe) Te Mata o Hoturoa, the centrepiece of the Whanganui Regional Museum's Maori Court.
Dr Philip Simpson will discuss these features and more in this month's Nature Talks presentation Nature and cultural features of totara, with particular reference to Whanganui. He will speak on Tuesday, May 21 in the Davis Lecture Theatre, Whanganui Regional Museum (Watt St entrance), starting at 7.30pm. Entrance is free although a koha would be appreciated to help offset costs.
Dr Simpson is a botanist and acclaimed author living in Golden Bay/Mohua.
His 2017 book, Totara: A Natural and Cultural History, was short-listed in the New Zealand Book Awards. His first two books, Dancing Leaves: The Story of New Zealand's Cabbage Tree, Ti Kouka and Pohutukawa and Rata: New Zealand's Iron-hearted Trees, both won Montana Book Awards in the Environment category.
The latter also won the Montana Medal for best non-fiction book.
Dr Simpson has also been awarded various writing and research fellowships and other honours.
