Known by many as the "Historic Puriri," this tree's fame likely stems from its impressive age, though no specific historical references have been found to support its title. In 1913, Englishman Sir H. Rider Haggard speculated that the tree might be as old as 2,000 years, despite having limited experience with New Zealand's native trees.

The Puriri was celebrated in Burstall & Sale’s book, Great Trees of New Zealand, on page 148, where its unique structure and features were documented. Photographs from 1984 reveal early signs of the decay that afflicts the tree today. An old burl appears to have been cut off, and several flush cuts are visible, exposing cavities that have merged into a central column of decay. Burstall described the Puriri’s distinctive "gun-barrel" trunk, noting its clean reach of 10.4 meters following tree surgery several years prior (Cadwallader, B.G., 2011).

References:
1] Burstall, S.W. FM. Report No.19. 1973; p. 11.
2] Burstall, S.W. & Sale, E.V. Great Trees of New Zealand, 1984; pp. 148-149.