Story: Farm mechanisation

First ploughing in New Zealand (2nd of 2)

First ploughing in New Zealand

The Reverend John Butler recorded in his diary an account of the first use of a plough in New Zealand.

On the morning of Wednesday the 3rd of May, 1820 the agricultural Plough was for the first time put into the Land of New Zealand at the Kiddi Kiddi [Kerikeri] and I felt much pleasure in holding it, after a Team of six Bullocks – brought down by the Dromedary – I trust that this auspicious day will be remembered with gratitude and its anniversary Kept by ages yet unborn –

Every heart seemed to rejoice on the occasion – I hope it will still continue to increase, and in a short time produce an abundant Harvest

J G Butler

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: MNZ-1591-1/2; F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

James Watson, 'Farm mechanisation - Machines powered by humans and animals', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/18369/first-ploughing-in-new-zealand (accessed 25 April 2024)

Story by James Watson, published 24 Nov 2008