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The Elms, Tauranga, 1835- (Place)
SummaryThe Elms is a heritage site located the northern tip of the Te Papa Peninsula, Tauranga. The historic buildings include the mission house (built in 1847), the library (built in 1838), the domestic services buildings (rebuilt in 1877 after a fire), coach house, and a replica chapel. The historic gardens on the property also have great botanical significance.
Historically the site was the location of Otamataha pā, though it had been abandoned during the 1820s due to inter-tribal warfare. In the mid-1830s Missionary Alfred Brown established a Mission Station on the site on behalf of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Brown and his second wife Christina later purchased the property from the CMS as a private residence in 1873. They renamed it 'The Elms', after the trees growing on the property.
The Elms remained as a private residence within Christina's family until 1997, though it had been subdivided in 1913 leaving just one hectare around the remaining buildings. In 1919 the property was opened up to visitors, who were interested in the home and gardens. This tradition continues to present day. The property is currently owned by The Elms Foundation.
SourcesMatthews & Matthews Architects Ltd., in association with Rorke, J., Gainsford, J., Truttman, L., Skidmore, R. A., & Associates. (2008). Central Tauranga Heritage Study: Part One. Tauranga City Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. Pp. 13-14. 'Elms Mission Station, Mission Street, Tauranga'. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved: 7 February, 2024.The Elms. (2017). 'History of The Elms: Te Papa Tauranga'. Retrieved 7 February, 2024
Historically the site was the location of Otamataha pā, though it had been abandoned during the 1820s due to inter-tribal warfare. In the mid-1830s Missionary Alfred Brown established a Mission Station on the site on behalf of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Brown and his second wife Christina later purchased the property from the CMS as a private residence in 1873. They renamed it 'The Elms', after the trees growing on the property.
The Elms remained as a private residence within Christina's family until 1997, though it had been subdivided in 1913 leaving just one hectare around the remaining buildings. In 1919 the property was opened up to visitors, who were interested in the home and gardens. This tradition continues to present day. The property is currently owned by The Elms Foundation.
SourcesMatthews & Matthews Architects Ltd., in association with Rorke, J., Gainsford, J., Truttman, L., Skidmore, R. A., & Associates. (2008). Central Tauranga Heritage Study: Part One. Tauranga City Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. Pp. 13-14. 'Elms Mission Station, Mission Street, Tauranga'. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved: 7 February, 2024.The Elms. (2017). 'History of The Elms: Te Papa Tauranga'. Retrieved 7 February, 2024Usage
Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesKnown Date/s
Date Established1835
Location
Map Address15, Mission Street, Tauranga, 3110, New ZealandLatitude/Longitude[1]
Latitude/Longitude[1] Relates To
Admin
AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authority
Type of ContributionLibrary authorityloading google map....
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, The Elms, Tauranga, 1835- (Place). Pae Korokī, accessed 04/07/2026, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/101452
