Taranaki Tree as Old as Rome? Myth vs Science 2025

Could a 2,000-year-old tree, a living relic from the time of the Roman Empire, be hidden in a New Zealand park? For over a century, the giant Pūriri tree of Pukekura Park in New Plymouth has been surrounded by this incredible legend. But is it true?

Join us on a deep dive into one of New Zealand’s most enduring local mysteries. We investigate the story’s origin, starting with a bold claim made in 1913 by world-famous author H. Rider Haggard. We uncover the surprising science that makes dating this ancient tree almost impossible and reveal the secrets of a nearby Pūriri, the George Fuller tree, that holds the biggest clue in our investigation.

This isn’t just a quest for a number; it’s an exploration of myth-making, colonial history, and the deep cultural significance of these trees (taonga) to Māori. The truth is far more fascinating than you can imagine. Taranaki.

7:00                                                                                                           13/2/26