History through a Faull family lens
What started as a privately published book for a diverse quintet of Tikorangi brothers has turned out to be so much more.
Voyagers, Faull by Five, is a unique ringside seat to the recent, diverse history of Taranaki.
Written by veteran journalist and
Taranaki Daily News columnist Jim Tucker, the book is an effortless read, despite its 365 pages. It could well be the ultimate coffee-table book, requiring no more than a page a day for a year for those of limited concentration.
Seriously though, Tucker’s well-crafted book provides a valuable insight into the remarkable story of the Faull family, who originally emigrated from Cornwall in England to settle in Tikorangi.
The Faull brothers are an early example of co-governance working perfectly.
Their family links whakapapa back to Te Atiawa hapū Ngāti Rahiri, while their Pākehā roots go back to that most crowded of immigrant ships, the William Bryant, which arrived in 1841.
That integration adds an intriguing and ultimately rewarding dimension to the rich tapestry of the Faull family.
It also replicates many familiar Taranaki stories.
The motivation for the book is well explained in the forewords – one by Jim and the other by Gavin Faull.
Tucker’s immaculate research and superb storytelling ensure the Faull grandchildren – along with many readers - will be well informed on the family’s history.
Be aware though, this book is not solely about one family’s history.
It is much more than that and tells us so much about our early history and what nurturing societies of both European settlers and Te Atiawa can jointly achieve.
Five examples, each one a Faull brother, set the tone.
But to fully appreciate their achievements, you need to read the book, but here’s a teaser, or five. One brother is an international hotel chain boss. Another is an acclaimed teacher and sports coach.
Then there is the not inconsequential matter of another brother being one of the world’s foremost experts knighted for his neurological research.
Diversity becomes richer with the revelation yet another brother is an ordained Anglican minister.
The final uber-achiever is a leading Australian-based digital systems experts and businessman.
That’s the Faull brothers. But there is so much more. Anyone interested in the history of our region cannot help but be impressed by the astonishing, diverse success of the brothers Faull.
In typical Taranaki fashion, there is a lasting connection and friendship between the Faull and Tucker families.
The late Rob Tucker and Jim were schoolmates of Gavin Faull, and their fathers, Jack Tucker and Wilfred Faull knew each other well too.
Jim and Rob, with their words and photos have done the Faull family proud, even if it took 10 years from go to whoa. Mind you, given the rare breadth and depth of the stories, that’s understandable.
The book will be launched on Wednesday, 6pm at Puke Ariki. Copies are available at Poppies Bookstore, in New Plymouth. Hard cover: $140, soft cover: $95.