blurry placeholderprow heading

Historical
& Cultural
Stories

From Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

Submit your story

Stories from the Top of the South

Welcome to The Prow, a website featuring historical and cultural stories from Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough.

Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Māui is the Māori name for the top of the South Island. Legend tells us that Te Tau Ihu was the prow of Māui's waka, or canoe, from which he fished up the North Island.

Join our voyage and discover more about the history and stories of Te Tau Ihu. Search or browse the theme pages, our timeline or the map location feature, add your own story, or comment on any story. Contact us for further information or to provide feedback on our stories.

The Prow is a collaboration between Nelson Public Libraries, Tasman District Libraries and Marlborough District Libraries, the Nelson Provincial Museum, and the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.  Images are supplied by supporting institutions, please check their terms of use.

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

Story of the Day

Bryce Jones

Bryce Jones - Nelson City Librarian, 1955-86 Bryce Jones (G. M. B.

Read More
Bryce-Jones-and-Marian-Gunn.jpg

Recent Stories

HoctonAppo1876.jpg

Appo Hocton

PuPuSpringsplatform.jpg

The Golden Waikoropupū

Old Folks Association Frank Sharland

Old Folks Hall Nelson

FTuckett.jpg

Frederick Tuckett 1807-1876

frank-rosaline.jpg

Pioneering women artists

nelson school of music nzp 3 of 17

Music and musicians in Nelson

Capt-William-Tinney-Captain-W-tinney.jpg

Capt William Tinney

Wm-Brownlee.jpg

Timber Pioneers - Brownlee and Baigent

Inangahua3.jpg

Inangahua Earthquake

Wakatu-hotel.jpg

Demon drink in Nelson

Explore our Stories