Whaling and the Making of Timaru's Coastal Identity
In the early 1800s, the remote coastline of South Canterbury, particularly around Timaru, became the scene of a dramatic maritime pursuit that would shape the region's early development. “Thar She Blows! A Grisly Trade in Bone and Oil”, published by New Zealand Geographic, explores the intense and often grim world of whaling, a trade that brought ships and seamen from around the world to the waters of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The article describes the large-scale hunting of southern right whales and sperm whales, whose oil and bone fuelled both international industries and local economies. Timaru, once a quiet landing point, grew into a busy coastal settlement where whaling crews would come ashore to rest, repair their vessels and trade. Life at sea was harsh, the work dangerous, and the rewards often short-lived, yet it was this industry that drew people to settle and build in the region.
For those interested in the origins of Timaru and the early industries that supported its growth, this article offers essential context. It reveals how the global demand for whale products in the 1800s intertwined with the lives of both Māori and European settlers, leaving lasting environmental and cultural legacies on the South Canterbury coast.
https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/thar-she-blows-a-grisly-trade-in-bone-and-oil/