9 June 2023, Issue 1163
Two by two... Just studying those intricately handcrafted animals – from tiny flies and spiders through to large elephants and camels – is something to marvel at. The rare toy – likely to be near 200 years old –
is a 165-piece Noah’s Ark set that has been gifted to The Elms in Tauranga. This is thanks to Tauranga resident Alison Underwood, pictured, who has gifted her family’s hand-crafted heriloom to The
Elms – where she is a tour guide – after having it sit on top of a china cabinet in her hallway for more than 20 years. Alison, who is a descendant of early missionary William Williams, believes The
Elms is the right setting for such a rare and magnificent piece of history – where the public can view it in all its glory and learn its origins. Learn more on pages 6-7. Photo: Brydie Thompson.