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Tai Tapu
Description
NameTai Tapu
Alternative NameHepworthDescriptionTai Tapu, in the district of Selwyn, is located on the Halswell river, at the foot of the Port Hills, and within about six km of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, 6km east of the town of Lincoln and 18km south-west of Christchurch. The land in the district is noted for its fertility, and the surrounding area is known for farming.
As noted in the 1903 Cyclopedia of New Zealand, the township of Tai Tapu was originally named Hepworth by Messrs R. H. Rhodes and W. B. Rhodes when first surveyed and laid out in building sites under their instructions, and sold by auction in Christchurch on the 4th of February, 1875.
Tai Tapu School is one of the region's oldest schools, dating from 1876. Tai Tapu is also known for the historic St Paul's Anglican Church, and the adjacent Tai Tapu Library, both funded by local philanthropist Sir Heaton Rhodes, who built and lived in nearby homestead Otahuna.Date Established1875
Alternative NameHepworthDescriptionTai Tapu, in the district of Selwyn, is located on the Halswell river, at the foot of the Port Hills, and within about six km of Te Waihora Lake Ellesmere, 6km east of the town of Lincoln and 18km south-west of Christchurch. The land in the district is noted for its fertility, and the surrounding area is known for farming. As noted in the 1903 Cyclopedia of New Zealand, the township of Tai Tapu was originally named Hepworth by Messrs R. H. Rhodes and W. B. Rhodes when first surveyed and laid out in building sites under their instructions, and sold by auction in Christchurch on the 4th of February, 1875.
Tai Tapu School is one of the region's oldest schools, dating from 1876. Tai Tapu is also known for the historic St Paul's Anglican Church, and the adjacent Tai Tapu Library, both funded by local philanthropist Sir Heaton Rhodes, who built and lived in nearby homestead Otahuna.
Date Established1875
Publication (PDF)
Tai Tapu. Selwyn Stories, accessed 10/12/2025, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/6198
