Story: Kauri gum and gum digging

Kauri gum reserves

The Kauri Gum Industry Act 1898 created kauri gum reserves. These areas covered around 100,000 hectares and were exclusively for the use of British subjects (including Māori). A licensing system was also introduced. The regulations were partly aimed at restricting Dalmatian diggers. As a result, Dalmatians shifted their focus, and many made arrangements with private landowners, paying a rental for the right to dig gum.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: MapColl 832.11gbb 1903 47490

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:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Origin and early uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/12949/kauri-gum-reserves (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Carl Walrond, published 24 Sep 2007