New Plymouth’s United Gymnastic Club was officially opened on 31 October 1905. Members were instructed by William Lints, a local tobacconist and hairdresser, and performed at shows and events around the region.

United Gymnastic Club, New Plymouth (about 1905). Unknown photographer. Collection of Puke Ariki (PHO2011-2002).

United Gymnastic Club

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Stranded on the beach at the end of Ōpua Road, Ōpunake on 7 September 1913, this whale was discovered by Frederick Hoskin who owned a nearby farm. News of the dead “sea monster” spread quickly and people flocked to see it. 

Stranded whale, Opua Beach (9 September 1913). David Duncan. Collection of Puke Ariki (PHO2009-091).

Beached As

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Regent Place in Blagdon was named in 1969 after a street in Plymouth, England. Ngāmotu had a habit at the time of choosing street names directly from a list of roads in the old Plymouth, “due to historical… associations” according to Town Clerk John Putt in a letter to the Waitara Borough Council that year. 

Regent Place sign (2023). Rachel Sonius. Word on the Street image collection.

Regent Place

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