Bishop Monrad In Aotearoa

Description

Ditlev Gothard Monrad was one of the most accomplished – and extraordinary – migrants to Aotearoa New Zealand in the 19th century. A Lutheran Bishop, a scholar and educationalist, a former Danish Prime Minister and principal author of his country’s constitution, Monrad came to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1866 and for almost three years carried out the strenuous work of being a settler, clearing the land and establishing a farm in the Manawatu. In 1869 he returned to Denmark, but members of his family continued his pioneer work in New Zealand and he inspired many other Danes to migrate to the country. Before he left New Zealand, Monrad gave his treasured collection of European art to the government and people of New Zealand. The Monrad gift is the foundation of the rich collection of European fine prints now held at the Museum of new Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. Bishop Monrad in Aotearoa commemorates the bicentenary of his birth, on 24 November 1811. New Zealand is the richer for his time spent here and for his priceless gift to our nation. – Taken from back cover