The Pompallier Mission and Printery in Kororāreka/Russell, established in 1842, was a cornerstone of the Catholic mission in New Zealand. This remarkable site was pivotal in producing thousands of prayer books in te reo Māori, making it a significant achievement in promoting literacy among Māori. Nearly 40,000 books were printed here, which was a groundbreaking effort at the time.

The building itself is an architectural marvel, constructed in a traditional Lyonnaise style using pisé de terre (rammed earth) for the ground floor and pan de bois (timber framing) with earth panels for the upper levels. The structure is topped with a distinctive hipped roof and dormer windows, reflecting its historical elegance.

Inside, the mission offers a rich display of local history from the era. In the 1870s, the Greenway family acquired the mission and transformed it into a stunning Victorian-style residence.

This site holds special significance for me personally. My great-grandmother was born in Kororāreka in 1840. From her letters, we know it was a very tumultuous frontier town. Her family moved to Sydney shortly before Hone Heke's attack and returned to New Zealand after about two years. Her father, as noted in his funeral notice, helped set up a flour mill that supplied wheat biscuits to American whalers. My great-grandmother, recognized as one of the first New Zealand-born settlers post-Treaty, was fluent in Te Reo Māori and became a teacher in a native school.

The Pompallier Mission and Printery, with its deep historical roots, is a must-visit, reflecting both the challenges and achievements of early settlers in New Zealand.