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Story: Te whānau tamariki – pregnancy and birth

James Carroll's birthplace

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James Carroll's birthplace

This historic tī kouka (cabbage tree), with some distinguished looking koroua standing alongside it, was the birthplace of James Carroll. Carroll, of Ngāti Kahungunu and Pākehā descent, was a respected politician, and at one time acting prime minister. Babies were often born in temporary outdoor shelters because childbirth was regarded as tapu.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: 1/2-110969-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

Hope Tupara, Te whānau tamariki – pregnancy and birth – Rites and baby care, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/27627/james-carrolls-birthplace (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Hope Tupara, published 23 March 2011, updated 1 June 2017.