Thomas Potts of Canterbury

Discover the captivating life of Thomas Potts, a key figure in New Zealand’s early history and conservation efforts. This thorough exploration of his life spans from his beginnings in England to his significant impact on New Zealand's environmental and political landscape. Through the lens of Potts' activism, the book tackles pressing themes such as colonialism and conservation, making it a critical read for those interested in ecological change and historical narratives. In the riveting pages of this paperback, readers will encounter Potts' pioneering spirit as he campaigned for the protection of native flora and fauna, and proposed the creation of national parks. Featuring his previously unpublished 1850s diary excerpts and 11 essays from the 1880s, this book offers a unique insight into the intricate balance between development and preservation. Enhanced by 16 pages of contemporary images, Thomas Potts of Canterbury provides a nuanced understanding of Canterbury’s environmental history, appealing to anyone fascinated by New Zealand’s colonial heritage and conservation efforts. Delve into this compelling story of a man torn between his roles as a settler and an advocate for nature, and discover the ongoing relevance of Potts' legacy in present-day discussions around sustainability and ecological responsibility.

Author: Paul Star Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 240 mm
Pages: 342
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.