Amelia was born on Prince Edward Island, Canada and came to New Zealand with her parents in 1859.
She soon married her second cousin, Charles, a printer at the Daily Southern Cross newspaper. Amelia meanwhile worked as a teacher for the fledging Auckland Education Board in a school housed at St. Peter’s Church in Bombay. Soon, Charles donated his land for a permanent academy, still operating today as Bombay School.
By 1880, the family had settled in Te Wairoa, gateway to Lake Tarawera and its famed sights. Charles and Amelia thrived there, looking forward to raising their growing family. As Charles became the headmaster of Te Wairoa’s school, Amelia worked tirelessly for her family while continuing to serve as a beloved teacher. The Haszards earned the respect and friendship of local Māori, and were known for their hospitality and kindness to all.
Amelia’s husband and three of their children lost their lives in the eruption of Mt Tarawera She and two daughters managed to escape and were rescued the next day. About 120 people died in the six-hour eruption and the village of Te Wairoa later became known as the Buried Village. Amelia died in September 1925 and is buried at Purewa.
READ HER FULL STORY HERE AND LEARN ABOUT NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POWERFUL NATURAL DISASTER
Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections NZG-19120626-0033-01
Article:
Amelia Jane HASZARD
Died 1925
Bock A Row 12 Plot 012C
