Conserving an 1850s tōtara slab whare in Okains Bay

Dating to the early 1850s, a humble single-roomed slab whare supported whaler-sawyer John Joseph Fluerty/Flutey, his wife Merehana Puaha (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha), and their large whānau in Banks Peninsula’s Okains Bay.

Join Scott Flutey, a Whanganui based historian and descendant of John and Merehana, to discover the significance of the whare and recent work to begin its conservation and restoration.

No registration needed. Entry is $5.00 at the door.

This event is part of New Zealand Archeology Week. For all events across the motu, visit the NZ Archeological Association website: https://nzarchaeology.org/news-events/national-archaeology-week-2026-2

Would you like to support the restoration of the whare? Help conserve an 1850s tōtara slab whare – rekindling connections with people, whakapapa and place – Givealittle

Event contact: Scott Flutey 022 169 4498. Email scottflutey@gmail.com

Feature image:
Image credit: Scott Flutey