3 Russell Street, Okarito, Westland
Monument to the first sighting of New Zealand by Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman in 1642.
One well known record of this event is the painting Landfall 1642 by the late Maurice Forester. Tasman's description of 'A land uplifted high' probably describe his proximity to the main divide including Mountains now named Tasman and Cook (Aoraki), from the coast off Okarito. There is some debate regarding Tasman's sighting location, possibly related to classical Dutch sailor's use of the German 'Mile' measurement, which was four times the length of an English mile.
The obelisk was unveiled on May 21, 1940 by the then Minister of Public Works, Robert Semple. It's position in the town was an alternative solution to taking the materials for the monument up the nearby but steep trig hill.
A centennial year monument, the heritage registered obeliskcommemorates the 1860 purchase of Westland from local Maori, negotiated by James MacKay, at a runanga held at Okarito. It mentions the efforts of the Westland pioneers and events which made their achievements possible.
In 1660 the World Map was edited to show the Coastline of New Zealand for the first time after Tasman's return to Europe.
World Map 1660 by Frederick de Wit
Image Credit: Tony Doy
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