Recently a Puhoi descendant purchased a book which detailed the life and songs by NZ’er Peter Cape. Amongst the story and songs, there can be found references to Puhoi and a few songs about the area and characters.

“An Ordinary Joker – the life & songs of Peter Cape”, by Peter Steele. Published by Steel Roberts Wellington.

Peter Cape, born in Helensville 1926, died 1979, is regarded as the forerunner to NZ characters Barry Crump and Fred Dagg (John Clarke) who became part of NZ folklore. Peter’s parents were travelling merchants selling wares out of vehicles while travelling around the North Island. In the late 1930’s their main sales round was from Auckland to Puhoi, Ahuroa, Warkworth, Kaipara Flats, Tauhoa, Glorit, Tahekeroa, Kaukapakapa and back to Auckland.

After attending Auckland University and raising a family, Peter penned songs which are kiwi classics, the most famous being “Taumarunui”, “She’ll be right”, and “Down the Hall on Saturday Night”.

Of his songs the following feature stories of Puhoi, the characters and the area lifestyle.

Click below for songs and lyrics with an explanation of the words and terminology used.

"Bullocky”

“Drover” – or “Rainbird in the Tea-tree”

“Old Joe Becher and Young Joe Bayer”

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Gregory J R Wenzlick (great grandson of Bohemian settler Gregor Johann Wenzlick).

by the same author: "In the name of my forefathers"

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