The Scandinavian connection
Friends of MauricevilleHonoring the Past; Living the Present; Shaping the Future
Building the strong bonds of rural community right here in 40 Mile Bush.
Preserving Our History
It was the 1870’s and this was as far as the Danes, Norwegiens & Swedes could sail across the globe, on journeys lasting from three to four months. Government agents had led them to expect they would find arable land and constant sunshine. Instead, many were led inland until they reached the edge of towering rain forests, called ‘native bush’. Here was their home, unbuilt. To get supplies they would have to ford dangerous rivers. On the first day they wept, on the second they started work. There could be no going back.
Shaping OUR Future
It is the desire of the Friends of Mauriceville to rekindle and foster the vision of Mauriceville as a bustling and thriving community; one that embraces the past, present and future while remaining mindful and respectful of the great natural wonders that surround us.
It is our hope that Mauriceville can continue to forge for itself an identity and culture as distinct and inviting as any of New Zealand’s beautiful towns and villages. We look forward to your visit.
Local Businesses & Supporters
Versatile Buildings
Your Trusted Building Partners for 40 Years. https://www.versatile.co.nz/
Le Gra Vineyard & Winery
A Family Winery from Wairarapa New Zealand. https://www.legra.co.nz
SkogsVatten Farm & Equine Park
Horsing ByDesign Lessons | Equine Training | Rehab | Agistment https://skogsvatten.co.nz/
Postcode Promotions
Your Personal Publicity Partnership https://postcodepromotions.co.nz/
Friends of Mauriceville
What We Do
Promoting a rich heritage
Friends of Mauricville is committed to preserving and promoting the historical Scandinavian cultural heritage of Mauriceville, and its associated districts, by working together with pride and in the spirit of cooperation.
Restoring & Maintaining
Friends of Mauriceville engages in a wide range of restorative and maintenance projects alongside other local groups, including: The preservation of historic buildings and cemeteries, and the erection of signage and facilities at historic sights for the purposes of education and tourism.
Communication & Publicity
Friends of Mauriceville provides a quarterly newsletter which is emailed to our community and provide regular FaceBook updates. We engage with media in an effort to raise local and national awareness of Mauriceville and open opportunities for the district.
Mauriceville on the map
The Scandinavian settler story is a rich heritage of hardship and toil which shaped a large area of early New Zealand, in particular the rugged rain forest of Seventy Mile Bush. Friends of Mauriceville are dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the area for future generations.
Mauriceville Settler & Poet
Lars Anderson Schou
“We find here so many different nations
From faraway lands, are drawn to these mountainous lands,
Drawn to the cliff lined coast.
The longing of so many goes back to the happy thoughts
They have left behind”
Excerpt from “En Ny Sang” (A New Song)
Tour the Sights
Our aim is to help you imagine the experiences and retrace the footsteps of Scandinavian pioneer families from Denmark, Norway and Sweden who started their new life in New Zealand in the 1870s at Forty Mile Bush. Mauriceville is part of the mighty forest which stretched from north of Opaki, to the edge of the Takapau Plains.
Be sure to scan the QR codes on the FOM signposts along the way for more information and fascinating settler stories.
Upcoming Events 2024
December 1 - Mauriceville Country Fair
All Day A great annual event held at the Clarke Domain at Mauriceville.
Become a member of Friends of Mauriceville and go into the draw to will a scenic rail journey for two, valued at over $800. Winner to be announced at the Fair.
The People and stories of mauriceville past
Kopuraunga Scaninavian Camp
General Stores & Postmaster
Mauriceville West Post & Telegraph Office
Mauriceville East Post Office & Store
Mauriceville Schools
Mauriceville Railway School
Mauriceville West School
Dairy & Butter Factories
Mauriceville Dairy Company
Mauriceville West Dairy Factory
Mauriceville Churches
Lutheran Church Mauriceville West
Norwegian Church Mauriceville North
Mauriceville Hotels
Hoffeins Mauriceville Hotel
F B Ross Mauriceville Hotel
Join Friends Of Mauriceville
Be Part of the Future
General Membership
We invite you to become a member of Friends of Mauriceville Inc. as an individual or as a family. For as little as $10 per year, you will receive a quarterly newsletter with updates and happenings around Mauriceville, be able to contribute to the vision for the area, attend our meetings and enjoy the feeling of real community.
Business & artisan Membership
There are many amazing buinsesses and creative artisans living or working in our community. We invite support from local businesses and offer in return advertising and promotion within our website, newletters and activities. There are a number of options available so click on the button below to find out more.
Get In Touch
We are always on the look out for stories and photographs from the past and present to add to our library archives and feature in our newsletters and promotions. We are also happy to receive suggestions, donations and offers of help.