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Kōrero: Bush trams and other log transport

16–bullock team

Image
16–bullock team

Until 1900, bullock teams were the main form of bush transport. With 16 bullocks, this Northland team was unusually large. The animals are joined with wooden yokes and coupling chains. The drivers carry long whips, which often had lancewood handles and flax lashes. The whips were cracked as much to emphasise verbal commands as to inflict pain.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Alexander Turnbull Library, Northwood Collection (PA-Group-00027)

Reference: 1/2-090948; F

by Arthur James Northwood

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.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Paul Mahoney, Bush trams and other log transport – Skidding and hauling, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/12224/16-bullock-team (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Paul Mahoney, i tāngia i te 1 March 2009.