This kauri tree, located in the historic Rangiatea Church and cemetery grounds in Ōtaki, appears to have a recorded history, but further research raises some doubts. S. W. Burstall, in both the NZ Forest Service mensuration reports (No. 20, 1974) and his 1984 book Great Trees of New Zealand (co-authored with Sale), dates the planting to around 1849.

Burstall describes the kauri as being planted near a large Norfolk Island pine (one of two) and identifies it as Dr. H.H. Allan’s No. 72. However, upon reviewing Allan’s brief entry, he simply states the tree was “planted nearly 100 years ago” without citing a source.

There is no doubt the kauri was planted close to a Norfolk Island pine—Google Street View images confirm this up until 2019. The pine was removed within the last five years, with its stump visible in one of the photos. The kauri’s distinct slant is likely due to its proximity to the Norfolk Island pine.

Some of Burstall’s other comments on the Norfolk Island pines contain historical dating errors, so it may be best to avoid relying on the circa 1849 planting date. Regardless, the kauri remains a significant tree in a historically important location (Lloyd, M., 2025).

Reference:
H. H. Allan, 1940, Historic trees in New Zealand, Journal of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, 10(1): 19-27.