Autumn 2018
MAORI HERITAGE
Maori arts flourish at Putiki church project Conservation work is continuing at St Paul’s
Memorial Church in Putiki, Whanganui, as traditional
The stunning interior of St Paul’s Memorial Church in Putiki, Whanganui. Maori arts are revisited as (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) part of the project.
ST PAUL’S CHURCH shares an important through the building of meeting houses, Sir Apirana gathered the remaining experts history with other Maori churches and marae dining halls and churches. and developed a training programme under that were built under the leadership of what would later become known as the By the end of the 19th century the art of Sir Apirana Ngata from the 1920s. It followed Rotorua Arts and Crafts Institute, and today carving that had once flourished across a style of church development that had its as Te Puia. Aotearoa had been impacted as a result of beginnings in the construction of St Mary’s colonisation. Fortunately, precious threads St Paul’s Memorial Church (1937) was created Church in Tikitiki on the East Coast in 1926. of tradition had continued in Te Arawa in this period, not only to replace the third In this period Sir Apirana was particularly and Te Tai Rawhiti where an unbroken reiteration of the mission’s church, but revitalise interested in developing a model to revitalise lineage of carving tradition had survived. the arts of carving, kowhaiwhai and weaving CONTINUED OVER >
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Contents
1 MAORI HERITAGE 13 CENTRAL REGION Maori arts flourish at Putiki Katherine Mansfield birthplace St Paul’s Memorial Church. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) church project 130 years young
2 CONTENTS 14/15 CENTRAL REGION Basin Reserve a jewel in Maori arts within the community. Today the 3 EDITORIAL Wellington’s crown Putiki community is revisiting this important Heritage New Zealand Chief pretext through the current project to conserve Executive Andrew Coleman 16 NORTHERN REGION the interior artworks of the church. Since 2012 Heritage landscape connects the Church Restoration Trust has completed 4/5 FEATURE INTERVIEW Tauranga with its past works to repair the exterior walls, reroof, and Learning all about people installed a fire sprinkler system to ensure that through archaeology 17 SOUTHERN REGION the building is protected and preserved. Rejuvenation of key Akaroa Last year work started on the repair of the 6 NATIONAL FOCUS buildings impressive interior tukutuku panels that had been Exciting programme being lined damaged by water leaking through the old up for Archaeology Week 18/19 CENTRAL REGION roof. Local weaving experts working through Route of great beauty and historic Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s 7 NORTHERN REGION interest Tautiaki Taonga Programme (Maori Built Mystery solved at Ruapekapeka Heritage Conservation) sorted traditional 20 SOUTHERN REGION weaving materials and applied traditional 8/9 SOUTHERN REGION Bringing history and heritage to techniques to repair the damaged panels that Deans Farm buildings open for life surround the altar area. new school year This year attention is turning to the painted ceiling kowhaiwhai panels to restore these 10/11 SOUTHERN REGION back to their 1937 appearance. A pilot project Otago Landmarks highlight in 2014 focused on developing a treatment region’s rich history methodology to remove a later retouched paint layer that had deteriorated. The underlying 12 SOUTHERN REGION original layer was found to be in good condition Dunedin heritage feature in great and will now be reinstated as part of the project. hands “It’s wonderful when we have an opportunity to use traditional techniques on these projects,” says Director Kaiwhakahaere Tautiaki CONTRIBUTORS: Taonga and Kaupapa Maori, Dean Whiting. Jamie Douglas, John O’Hare, David Watt and Rosemary Baird. “In a way, we can retrace the hands of those who created them.” This last stage of work will take up to three months to complete and will involve many Members of Heritage New Zealand can visit its from the community, but importantly will be properties for free, visit www.heritage.org.nz. an opportunity for these art forms to flourish in the community once again. n
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EDITORIAL
All of the examples mentioned here It is timely to test meet the definition of significant – they are important, worthy of attention and have ANDREW COLEMAN what is significant a meaning. Every heritage site, place or icon is likely to be of significance to someone. It is for this HERITAGE AND HISTORY are made up HERITAGE IS ABOUT reason that we are able to keep the interest of many things – and the articles in this RECOGNITION. IT and connections to heritage and history edition of Heritage Quarterly highlight this. alive and well. The people will always be It is extremely pleasing that restoration, IS THROUGH THE important, particularly those who work preservation, protection, acknowledgement AFFECTION AND with, care for, own or acknowledge heritage. and celebration of heritage are prevalent. They are the best judges of significance. It is also pleasing that the case studies are INTEREST PEOPLE significant, many and varied. The word HAVE IN A PLACE We make attempts to use ‘significant’ to ‘significant’ is often used in heritage terms, THAT WE ARE ABLE categorise heritage, to signify that we and when it is it poses many questions, have determined something to be more almost always starting with ‘why’ and ‘who’. TO DETERMINE THE important than others. For the purposes of SIGNIFICANCE OF THE designation or listing this is important. It is Putiki Church (also known as St Paul’s enabled through a clear set of criteria for Memorial Church) in Whanganui, the Basin RECOGNITION. the determination. Reserve in Wellington and the launch of Otago Landmarks Whenua Tohunga provide Heritage is about recognition. It is through case studies of heritage that allow us to well explored with the conclusion that it is the affection and interest people have in explore the context of the word significant. indeed both, and of heritage significance a place that we are able to determine the They also allow us to determine if being as the first New Zealand sports ground with significance of the recognition. The best significant is meaningful and therefore the area and buildings recognised with heritage outcomes are when the people important as a heritage characteristic. a Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and system are aligned. listing. The playing oval, groundkeeper’s There are definitions of significant, such as I will have the pleasure to stand alongside shed, entry gates, Museum Stand and “sufficiently great or important to be worthy heritage supporters at Southland Heritage memorials (including the one to Colonel of attention; noteworthy” or “having a Month (see the article on page 20), William Wakefield) are all examples of particular meaning; indicative accepting Heritage South’s invitation to heritage importance. of something”. present on recognising the value and Otago Landmarks Whenua Tohunga is an potential of Southland’s heritage buildings Putiki Church is described as one of the approach to connect significant heritage sites and streetscapes. The significance of many most intricate and beautifully decorated and places, making more of the collective buildings in this proud province are already churches in New Zealand. Its fascinating heritage stories and connections rather defined, but the nationwide issue of how tukutuku designs speak to the history than the often ‘one off’ heritage experience. best to identify and retain those places that and heritage of the church, iwi and area. The broad array of heritage recognised in the community believes tell the story of their It has also been described as a “wonder to Otago Landmarks Whenua Tohunga is very region is one that continues to be had. n behold” and a “historic treasure” – it is impressive. I encourage you to not only extremely significant. read the article but take the time when you ANDREW COLEMAN Is the Basin Reserve a sports ground, a are in Otago to explore the remarkable and CHIEF EXECUTIVE heritage reserve or both? This question is significant heritage sites on offer.
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FEATURE INTERVIEW
Katharine Watson in a happy place, on site. (CREDIT: KATHARINE WATSON) Learning all about people How did you become interested university, I came up to Christchurch and Q: in archaeology? volunteered with Chris Jacomb who was through When I was 13 my high school maths the archaeologist at the museum. I would teacher said to the class "You should all spend a week working with him. He gave archaeology know exactly what you want to do". I me an insight into what archaeology was went home, thought about it, and decided really about. I wanted to be an archaeologist. I don’t New Zealand Archaeological I went to Otago University and did an know how I knew that archaeology existed Honours degree in Archaeology, then Association President, Katharine as a discipline. My mother was really into a Master of Arts (with distinction) in Watson, has had a huge workload history, and I’d grown up reading National Anthropology. By the time I reached Geographic, so that probably helped. I’ve in recent years following the Honours I knew that I wanted to do New always had a really strong sense of family Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 Zealand historical archaeology – that’s the history and I think that might have fed archaeology of New Zealand following and 2011. She talks with Rosemary into why I became an archaeologist. From Pakeha contact. What I love about historical Baird about her career to date. the summer when I was 15 until I went to archaeology is that you can identity specific
4 heritage.org.nz I’m sure you get asked this all the Q: time, but what are some of your most interesting finds? It’s an archaeologist’s least favourite question because an isolated find doesn’t tell you anything generally. People want to know about something spectacular and exciting. There are a number of reasons we don’t have answers like that. We don’t often find things that are spectacular, or what we think is spectacular is not something that your average punter on the street thinks is spectacular. To me the exciting things are the stories. Archaeology isn’t about the individual finds, it’s about what we can learn. You are president of the Q: New Zealand Archaeological
Association (NZAA). What does the NZAA do?
Archaeology Week is the perfect opportunity to inform the public The NZAA seeks to promote the through presentations and events. (CREDIT: CAITLIN TIMMER-ARENDS) archaeology of New Zealand. It’s an amateur organisation and anyone can be a member of it. We support archaeological people. There is that direct connection to buildings on the New Zealand Heritage List research, submit on district plans and help the past through historical records. Quite as they were demolished. I was contracted archaeologists on different issues they often you know the name of the person by Heritage New Zealand to carry out that face. We run an annual conference and we who lived on the site. I love having both work. Then foundations started to come publish Archaeology in New Zealand which strands of evidence – the archaeology and out so we started getting involved in the is a non-peer reviewed journal. We also the historical records. earthworks phase. Initially I employed three run ArchSite, which is an online recording people. At the peak of it I employed close to scheme of archaeological sites in New What did you do once you’d 30 people. Zealand.
Q: finished studying?
What is Archaeology Week? I went home, worked on the farm for a few A lot of the work, especially in those early
months, then came up to Christchurch days, was educating digger drivers and Archaeology Week comes back to Q: and worked for Chris at the museum on a demolition companies about their legal that goal of promoting archaeology in New short-term research contract. I happened requirements around archaeology and Zealand. It’s overseen by the NZAA but to notice one day that there was a sign working with the Canterbury Earthquake local groups do all the on-the-ground work. up about building the Art Gallery in Recovery Authority (CERA) to ensure that People organise talks, tours and exhibitions. Christchurch – this was in 2000. I said to everybody complied with the law. CERA put Often people will do a pretend dig or mock- Chris "Is anyone going to do archaeology us in the Demolitions project management up an excavation. It’s basically a chance for there?" and he said "Well you could". What? office, so demolition companies and us to share what we learn and explain why I was 23 and it was a huge site. And that’s contractors could come and talk to us archaeology is important. how it happened. I went and did that site. I directly. That made a huge difference to our Why do you think people are so was a consultant from then on – six months relationship with the guys out on the site. interested in archaeology? out from university – running a business, Initially there was a lot of push back and Q: Because it is so interesting! I think people digging sites. It was fun, overwhelming, people were reluctant to work with us. But love archaeology for the same reasons daunting and scary. it got to the point where we would hear archaeologists like it. It’s that sense of stories of a digger driver going to a site What happened to your discovery and mystery solving. And I think and asking if there was an archaeological work after the Canterbury people are genuinely interested in their Q: authority. There wouldn’t be one, and they earthquakes? past. Here in Christchurch we’ve lost so would tell the developer that they needed Within two weeks of the February much of the built heritage but at the same to get an archaeologist involved. That’s earthquake I was in the central city time we’ve learned so much from what has fantastic – that’s winning really. photographing pre-1900 buildings and come out of the ground. n
heritage.org.nz 5 NATIONAL FOCUS
Exciting programme being lined up for
Archaeology Week An archaeology dig held for children in Waitangi during last year’s Archaeology Week. (CREDIT: CAITLIN TIMMER-ARENDS)
The aim of New Zealand Archaeology Week, from 28 April to 6 May this Otago University PhD student Naomi Woods’ talk year, is to showcase and celebrate the important work of archaeologists on the archaeological material analysed from a site in central Whanganui. in New Zealand and overseas. Central to this is promoting and explaining the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage. A Events are still being finalised for this year’s Archaeology Week, with more details available range of events will be held nationwide to illustrate the many sides of on the NZAA website nzarchaeology.org nearer archaeology and to connect people to their history. the time. So far events being planned include: a collaboration between Underground Overground Archaeology, Christchurch THE NEW ZEALAND Archaeological The 2017 Archaeology Week was very successful, Archaeology Project and Heritage New Association (NZAA) is the main organiser with over 40 events nationwide ranging from Zealand on a walking tour app which will for the event, with Heritage New Zealand mock excavations for children, public walks and include tours during the week in Christchurch; archaeologist, Kathryn Hurren, the national tours to talks and career events. The buy-in from a walking tour and an evening of talks in coordinator. Work around this year’s event archaeologists and organisations in planning Wellington; and archaeological talks at the began last October with notification of the these events was matched by the public’s Auckland Museum and Waitangi Treaty dates and a call for interest in participating. interest in attending them. Grounds. Also planned to be repeated from The NZAA’s membership spans professionals, Highlights from 2017 included: the quick-fire last year are special archaeological displays amateurs, students, organisations, businesses stories evening in Christchurch with the now- at Wellington City Council, Dunedin Public and institutions involved or interested in NZAA President, Katharine Watson; a tour about Library and Christchurch’s South Library. New Zealand archaeology or heritage. Its the archaeology and history of Tawatawhiti on Heritage Taranaki is planning a tour, children’s main objective is to promote and foster the upper Hatea River, Whangarei, with Heritage events and a public talk. archaeological and historical research. The New Zealand archaeologists Bill Edwards and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is organisation also lobbies government and local James Robinson; a Waitangi Treaty Grounds taking a strong lead in participating in and authorities for the recognition and protection archaeology dig for kids and a public talk by planning events. Kathryn’s efforts as National of New Zealand’s cultural heritage through Dr Ian Smith on the archaeology of the Bay of Coordinator were recognised by winning the planning consultations and engagement. The Islands; the Wellington Archaeology Walk led by NZAA Public Archaeology Award for 2017. Site Recording Scheme, initiated by the NZAA Mary O’Keeffe with help from Victoria Grouden, in the 1950s and today managed through its Kevin Jones and Bruce McFadgen; an open day Outreach Advisor, David Watt, is online portal, ArchSite, contains the records of and mock excavation at Auckland University led coordinating Heritage New Zealand’s over 60,000 archaeological sites in New Zealand. by the Auckland Archaeological Society; and participation. n
6 heritage.org.nz NORTHERN REGION
From left, Kipa Munro, Jonathan Carpenter and Dr James Robinson
working on the burial pit and investigating two post holes that were
part of the original picket fence placed around the grave in 1845. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
A clay pipe recovered from the site. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
Mystery solved at Ruapekapeka A joint archaeological excavation led by doctoral student Jonathan Carpenter has identified the final resting place of 12 British soldiers who died in the battle of Ruapekapeka, 14km southeast of Kawakawa in Northland.
THE SOLDIERS DIED while pursuing Kawiti, “Due to the high level of acidity in the soil the which were used by the soldiers to fire their the rangatira who built Ruapekapeka, as he remains were in an advanced state of decay, muskets, confirmed that the human remains and his men were escaping from the pa. and it’s possible that if we’d left it for another were two of the 12 named British soldiers, sailors 10 years we wouldn’t have found anything,” and Royal Marines buried in 1845. At the end of the battle the British dead were says Heritage New Zealand’s Northland buried in a mass grave at the main British “Once the excavation confirmed this, the Regional Archaeologist, James Robinson, who camp and the site was marked with a small bodies and grave goods were left undisturbed took part in the excavation. fence. Within a few years, however, fires and and the excavation was filled in following agricultural practices had removed this fence “We can now say with certainty however – appropriate tikanga protocols by kaumatua,” and the exact location of the grave became lost. 172 years after the event – that this is the place says James. where the soldiers were buried.” It has been an ongoing concern for the Te The site of the mass grave has been recorded Ruapekapeka Trust that the grave location was The project was mandated by the so that it can be properly identified, which unknown and that the appropriate respect was Te Ruapekapeka Trust and supported by the will enable people to pay their respects in an not being given to the fallen soldiers. Department of Conservation as land managers appropriate manner. The Te Ruapekapeka Trust of the battle field. Additional archaeological is considering an appropriate memorial at the Although the War Graves Commission and technical support was provided by grave site of what turned out to be the last attempted to locate the site of the graves Dr Robinson and osteologist Dr Shirley Wallace. battle of the Northern Wars. just over a century ago, it was unsuccessful. It has taken modern archaeological methods The excavation of a small portion of a 6.25m x “Finding the final resting place of these men to find and successfully identify the location 2.25m pit exposed two individuals. The presence helps brings closure for Maori and Pakeha, and of the remains of the soldiers who died in of associated grave goods, such as a tobacco enables the different stories associated with January 1845. pipe, and a cartouche bag of percussion caps this place to be told,” says James. n
heritage.org.nz 7 SOUTHERN REGION
Buildings A and B in their restored glory. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
BUILDING A, thought to be a former gymnasium and band room. Another building Deans Farm blacksmith’s forge and stables, has been (now demolished) became the radio club. transformed into a board room, museum, After the 2010 Canterbury earthquakes all buildings open archive room and archivist’s office. Building B, farm buildings to the west of the farmstead originally a piggery, has become the uniform were demolished. Those to the east were for new shop. The fit-out looks like a high-class propped up with steel supports. A 2016 arson men’s store, but is also sympathetic to the attempt on Building B caused interior damage school year rural heritage of the building. New students, but did not destroy the structure. parents and old boys are now visiting and The Deans Farm buildings at using the refurbished spaces. It might have been the end for these buildings in their dilapidated state, but the Christchurch Boys High School The Deans Farm buildings were sold to the school board recognised their significance have been transformed from school in 1926 after they were assessed as when they approved the restoration. With being “far too valuable to be pulled down, their earthquake and fire fundraising and a Christchurch City Council since they are well and strongly constructed”. damaged state to a beautifully heritage grant of $62,000, the project began Although not suitable for laboratories or in October 2016. restored complex showcasing classrooms, the buildings were soon converted the history of the site and school. to a woodwork workshop, artillery shelter, The project team came across some unexpected swimming change room, bicycle shed, small discoveries during the restoration. Lifting
8 heritage.org.nz the concrete floors of Building A uncovered a full street of cobblestones. A 2m x 2m section has been preserved under glass. The discovery of asbestos throughout Building A was a less happy moment. Another unexpected outcome is that as the interior bricks dry out a white powdery substance is emerging. This process, known as efflorescence, means that the walls are swept and vacuumed regularly. A respectful conservation approach means The bluestone cobbles through a glass many original features have been retained. viewing panel. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) Historic bricks featuring student graffiti have been reused. A local foundry used original iron fretwork as a pattern to recreate the feature. Cobblestones from the subfloor of Building A have been carefully stored for landscaping in the school’s planned redevelopment. Craig Dunnett, Senior Master, who oversaw the project, found it a challenging but rewarding experience. “We didn’t expect to find all the asbestos and that meant sections had to be dug out by hand – once you start a project like this you don’t know what you’ll find.” However, the effort has been worth it. “You can’t put a price on a building like this. It’s an important place not only to our school but also to our city. These are some of the oldest surviving brick buildings in Canterbury.” n Historic bricks featuring former students’ graffiti. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
The interior of the uniform shop in Building B. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) “WE DIDN’T EXPECT TO FIND ALL THE ASBESTOS AND THAT MEANT SECTIONS HAD TO BE DUG OUT BY HAND – ONCE YOU START A PROJECT LIKE THIS YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU’LL FIND.” – CRAIG DUNNETT
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LANDMARKS WHENUA TOHUNGA (www.landmarks.nz) is a joint initiative between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the Department of Conservation and Ministry for Culture and Heritage. The inaugural Landmarks launch in Northland in December 2016 featured nine sites. MP for Dunedin North, Minister David Clark, announced the sites at Olveston before a 5 gathering of regional dignitaries and invited guests. More sites will be added over time, including those of significance to Maori, with a series of hui underway. Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is particularly delighted with the inclusion of two properties it cares for – Hayes Engineering Works and Totara Estate. Ceremonies were held on 4 February and 6 February, respectively, Totara Estate, 8km south of Oamaru, is where the first shipment of frozen mutton Otago Landmarks highlight was sent to England in 1882. Hayes Engineering Works in Oturehua, Central region’s rich history Otago, was where Ernest Hayes invented and manufactured agricultural labour- Twelve special sites that embody the Otago region’s journey of saving devices from the late 19th century. discovery, prosperity and beauty were named late last year at the launch “Both properties are already popular tourist of Otago Landmarks Whenua Tohunga at historic Olveston in Dunedin. attractions and are a perfect fit as landmarks
10 heritage.org.nz 6 7 in Otago’s heritage and history,” says Heritage New Zealand’s Director Southern Region, Sheila Watson. “The Otago region has a wealth of worthy sites as was reflected in the many nominations that were considered. Along with the other Landmarks sites named, Totara Estate and Hayes keep those stories of our past alive by being open for locals and tourists to experience and enjoy.” The other Otago sites are Arrowtown 1. Hayes Engineering Works – A home of Kiwi invention. (CREDIT: GRANT SHEEHAN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) and Arrowtown’s Chinese Settlement, 2. Totara Estate – Putting New Zealand sheep on the world table. (CREDIT: GRANT SHEEHAN/HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) TSS Earnslaw, Kawarau Gorge Suspension 3. TSS Earnslaw – Lady of the Lake. (CREDIT: RICHARD NESTER) Bridge, Otago Central Rail Trail, Dunedin 4. Arrowtown – One golden village, two tales. (CREDIT: KATHRIN AND STEFAN MARKS, FLICKR.COM)
Railway Station, Historic Oamaru, Larnach 5. Bannockburn Sluicings – Man-made Badlands. (CREDIT: BECKERFRASERPHOTOS) Castle, Olveston, Bannockburn Sluicings and 6. Olveston – A slice of grand Edwardian life preserved. (CREDIT: OLVESTON HISTORIC HOME) the Taieri Gorge Railway. 7. Larnach Castle – New Zealand’s castle. (CREDIT: LARNACH CASTLE)
“With Oamaru, Queenstown and Dunedin 8. The Taieri Gorge Railway – Bridging the gap. (CREDIT: AL AND MARIE, CCL FLICKR) being key points, it’s like a golden triangle 9. Dunedin Railway Station – A first-class destination. (CREDIT: DUNEDIN CITY COUNCIL) of heritage, history and natural landmarks 10. Kawarau Suspension Bridge – A leap of faith. (CREDIT: ROBERT NYMAN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS) have been highlighted that the Otago region can rightly feel proud of.” n 11. Otago Central Rail Trail – Pedalling Otago’s rural heart. (CREDIT: ONE SHOT 10022899) 12. Historic Oamaru – A Victorian time capsule. (CREDIT: WAITAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL)
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(LEFT) The Otago Pioneer Women’s Hall. (CREDIT: YVONNE GAUT)
(ABOVE RIGHT) Rachael Francis, Historian in Residence. (CREDIT: SUE GRAHAM)
(RIGHT) Stained glass celebrating Otago’s women pioneers in the chapel. (CREDIT: MEGAN BRADY)
remind the Dunedin community of what it Dunedin had to offer. The hall hosted a fascinating exhibition on historic plastics, curated by heritage feature Dunedin collector and artist, Janet de Wagt. Regular open afternoons and talks in great hands encouraged people to explore the hall and hire it for meet ups, parties and events. It has been an exciting period of A key element in rejuvenating the hall was in 1907. These three elements need to be new ventures and rejuvenation the appointment of Rachael Francis as tied together. An engineering assessment, for Dunedin’s Otago Pioneer Historian in Residence. Rachael has been supported by the Dunedin Heritage Fund, Women’s Hall. organising afternoon talks, delving through will provide the basis from which the group the archives and securing funding for can apply for funding to Lotteries and other new projects. She is writing a book on the organisations. history of the building, in an A to Z style, THE ART DECO building at 362 Moray Place This year should also see the hall begin the with illustrated letters by local graphic was purchased by the Otago Pioneer nomination process to be added to the designer, Eliza McMillan. She also secured Women’s Memorial Association Incorporated New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero. funding for OPWMAI members to workshop (OPWMAI) in 1942. The group, led by Susan Irvine, Heritage Assessment Advisor ideas about the gender politics of women’s Dr Emily Siedeberg-McKinnon, New Zealand’s from Otago/Southland, gave a ‘How to fundraising in the 1930s. Playwright Karen first female medical graduate, had previously Research Your House’ workshop at the hall Elliot is creating a theatre piece based on tried to build a centre for women’s groups, last year. She was very impressed with the these themes which will be performed in memory of Otago’s pioneer women, but organisation. their plans were opposed. The group refused mid-year. “The women were a delight and very to give up, and successfully fundraised to Rachael loves her time at the Hall and finds passionate about the building and purchase a venue. The Burns and Co. building, it engrossing. promoting its use. With their vision and a former office with a top-floor beauty salon, “I’ve fallen down a hole, I really have,” she says. energy, I predict an exciting future for the was their choice. Otago Pioneer Women’s Association.” Another future challenge is to strengthen The building has a hall, boardroom, lounge the building. The Otago Pioneer Women’s Susan is hoping that the nomination can and shrine. The association hired it out to Hall is made up of three buildings – an be progressed soon as this year is the 125th community groups for years, but at the 75th Art Deco façade, Victorian back building anniversary of women having the right to anniversary in 2017 decided it needed to (coal house) and upstairs section added vote in New Zealand. n
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Katherine Mansfield House in Wellington. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
BORN KATHLEEN BEAUCHAMP, she the Department of Health. The Beauchamps Katherine described the house at Tinakori Road as a had moved back to Thorndon in 1898 and took ‘dark little cubby hole’ and a ‘horrid little piggy up residence in a grand mansion at 75 Tinakori Mansfield house’. It was built in 1888 in the middle of an Road. It survived for several decades until it was economic depression and Kathleen was born demolished to make way for the Thorndon birthplace 130 in October that year. The initial occupants were motorway in the late 1960s. her parents Harold and Annie Beauchamp, The Katherine Mansfield House at 25 Tinakori two sisters, her grandmother and two aunts on years young Road survived the destruction of houses for her mother’s side. A servant also lived on the the motorway and the Katherine Mansfield premises, making for a crowded living space. Katherine Mansfield’s memories Birthplace Society purchased the property Kathleen’s little sister, Gwendoline, tragically died of her birthplace at 25 Tinakori in 1987. It was restored to its original of cholera at 11 weeks at their Thorndon home condition when the Beauchamp family lived Road, Thorndon, Wellington, in January 1891. inspired the internationally in it in the late 19th century. The Katherine The Beauchamp family decided to move to Mansfield Birthplace Society was founded recognised writer to recreate Karori to avoid poor sanitary conditions and by art historian, the late Oroya Day, together her experiences in several of disease that existed at the time in the central with Peter Young, solicitor, and prominent her famous short stories. The part of the city. The family took up residence at Wellington architect, Jim Beard, who passed Category 1 listed Katherine 372 Karori Road, a property known as Chesney away in October last year. Wold. Katherine Mansfield recorded in great Wellington author, Redmer Yska, has captured Mansfield House provides a detail walking to Karori School on the corner of her early life in Thorndon and Karori with his valuable insight into a large part Karori Road and Donald Street with her sisters, recently published book A Strange Beautiful a journey on foot through bad road conditions of her writing. In October this Excitement, Katherine Mansfield’s Wellington. that took upwards of half an hour. year the Katherine Mansfield It is a very vivid biography and memoir of Birthplace Society will celebrate Harold Beauchamp leased out the Thorndon Katherine Mansfield’s world in the capital city. house until 1929. There were many occupants the 130th anniversary of her birth. The Katherine Mansfield House and Garden during this period, including Dr Frederick Truby in Thorndon is open to the public from King, the founder of the Plunket Society. He lived 10am to 4pm six days a week (closed on there from 1921 to 1924, during which time he Mondays). For more information email was appointed the Director of Child Welfare in [email protected] n
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Don Neely outside the Museum Stand, currently closed due to earthquake resilience concerns, at the Basin Reserve. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
of Kent Terrace. It was proposed by the Royal Basin Reserve a jewel in Surveyor-General of New Zealand to utilise the lake as a basin or inner port where small Wellington’s crown trading vessels could take shelter from fierce north-westerly winds. Recognised as one of the leading test cricket grounds The 1855 Wairarapa coast earthquake put in the world, the Basin Reserve in Wellington is a place paid to that plan when the land was raised of very special significance to many people. up to 1.8m (6ft) and the basin was turned into a swamp. In 1857 a group of prominent citizens petitioned the Provincial Council to IN THE WORDS of Don Neely, leading New any other test cricket ground in this way set aside this piece of land as a public park Zealand cricket historian and author, the anywhere else in the world.” and future cricket ground. The petition was capital city can be very proud of the Basin. granted and prison labour was used from Listed as a historic area by Heritage New nearby Te Aro Gaol for several years to drain “The citizens of Wellington and visitors to Zealand in 1990, the Basin has a number of the land. our city have almost unlimited access to historic buildings and monument features. the Basin. Because of its historic public On 11 December 1866, the Basin Reserve The creation of the Basin Reserve is a reserve status, they are entitled to enjoy formally became Wellington’s “home of remarkable story. It was once a lake at the top the benefits of the reserve. You can’t access cricket”. It was to be another 13 months
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before the first game was played on the ground. On 11 January 1868, the officers and A view to the Basin Reserve field. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) men of the HMS Falcon played the Wellington Volunteers. With limited flat areas in Wellington, the Basin Reserve quickly became the green heart of the city where not only cricket and other sports such as athletics, cycling, harriers, rugby and football took place, but other big events such as parades, the gathering of soldiers, political and religious meetings and national holiday events. In recent years events such as military tattoos and rock concerts have filled the Basin to capacity. The first international cricket test took place between New Zealand and England at the Basin in January 1930. In three days, New Zealand fortunately came away with a draw. Famous New Zealand batsmen of the day, Stewie Dempster and his partner Jack Mills, scored centuries as openers in New Zealand’s first innings. Down the years there have been many test cricket heroics at the Basin. No cricket follower could forget the batting of former New Zealand captain, Brendon McCullum, with his outstanding 302 against India in 2014. Other fantastic efforts have included the 299 from the late Martin Crowe against Sri Lanka in 1991, Australian Greg Chappell’s 247 and 133 in the same test against New Zealand in 1974, and Jackie McGlew’s 255 for South Africa against New Zealand in 1953. Also, the great John Reid, former New Zealand captain, who scored 296 for Wellington against Northern Districts at the Basin in 1963, his highest score in first class cricket. Over this past summer, the Basin Reserve paid host to international test cricket sides from the West Indies and Pakistan, and the England cricket team is currently touring New Zealand. The Basin Reserve faces many challenges to remain a competitive ground for test cricket in terms of facilities for players and the public alike. Heritage New Zealand has been
engaged in discussions with Cricket Wellington, the Basin Reserve Trust and the Wellington
Spectators enjoying the recent cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan, City Council for some time around changes at with the Museum Stand in the background. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) the Basin. There is hope that the old Museum Stand, which opened in 1925, will be retained and adapted for continued cricket uses. n
heritage.org.nz 15 fighters. Both pa sites are said to have been NORTHERN REGION attacked by Hauraki iwi armed with muskets in 1828. Missionary Henry Williams visited the pa site shortly after the attack and recorded scenes of desolation where previously “many hundreds of men, women and children” had lived. “Although it’s not clear where the dead were buried, it is possible that they numbered in the hundreds and could have been buried close by at Otamataha,” says Ben. “Significantly, Otamataha Pa had become tapu ground and was abandoned following the raid.” Seven years after the devastating raid on Otamataha a Church Missionary Society mission station was established in the area. Now known as The Elms, the mission fostered further cultivation and settlement locally. Trench work at the Cliff Road site. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) “Strife would continue to be a fact of life,” says Ben. “Maori were compelled to fortify the land 14th century,” says Heritage New Zealand’s around Cliff Road outside the mission station, Lower Northern Area Manager, Ben Pick. Heritage again in response to a threatened attack by “Two of the earliest archaeological features are Rotorua tribes in 1839-40. landscape the earthworks associated with the Otamataha “British regiments arrived in Tauranga in 1864 Pa and Taumatakahawai Pa, which were and set up camp on the northern end of the connects probably constructed in the 16th century.” peninsula surrounding the mission station prior Tauranga with By the early 19th century, Otamataha had to the ill-fated battle of Gate Pa. During this become one of the most important pa time the Monmouth Redoubt was established, its past sites in the Tauranga area. In addition to its which utilised the earthwork defences of cultivations, the beaches to the north and Taumatakahawai Pa.” south provided waka access to the abundant Discussion around a site After the British left, the Monmouth Redoubt food resources of the harbour. proposed for a future museum on served as a base for the Armed Constabulary Tauranga’s Te Papa Peninsula has Although it provided adequate protection for pre- and further expansion of the site took place highlighted the archaeological musket warfare, the pa was no match for armed during the 1860s and 1870s. n significance of the area.
THE LANDSCAPE AROUND the Cliff Road site contains archaeological features dating back to the 16th century – and possibly earlier. An archaeological report by Tauranga- based archaeologist Ken Phillips has identified many of these features and underscored the historical significance of the area, which spans early human activity in Tauranga through to recent times. “According to some sources, the northern end of Te Papa was one of the landing places of the Takitimu canoe. Initial Maori settlement of the area may have occurred as early as the This Tauranga landscape contains significant archaeological features. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)
16 heritage.org.nz SOUTHERN REGION
(ABOVE LEFT) Langlois-Éteveneaux Cottage. weatherboards and windows. Keen observers (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) Rejuvenation might notice a new eaves bracket and finial (ABOVE) Heritage New Zealand’s Dave
on the front of the building. In fact, these are Margetts, curator Dan Stevens and Museum
of key Akaroa original elements that have been missing for Director Lynda Wallace outside the restored 60 years. courthouse. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) buildings The clerk’s office in the Court House has been kept as a time capsule from the late impressive 1970s, when it closed. The walls are painted The museum intends to take a different ‘Government Green’ and an original wooden approach to how it uses and interprets Akaroa Museum cabinet still has an 1894 Schedule of Fees the Langlois-Éteveneaux Cottage once is in an exciting glued inside its door. Writing ink, blotters, it is strengthened. The previous period sealing wax and rubber stamps remind visitors period of room displays, which were viewed through of how clerks worked in a pre-electronic age. rejuvenation. In windows, were created in the 1960s. Akaroa addition to the refitting of The Category 2 Customs House, close to Museum Director, Lynda Wallace, wants to the museum’s galleries, three Daly’s Wharf, was built in the 1850s to allow return to a more authentic interior. the customs officer a good view of shipping “Visitors will now be able to walk into the significant heritage buildings movements in the harbour. It was given to cottage to find out about the building’s managed by the museum are the Akaroa Museum in 1970 and now, with fabric and history,” she says. undergoing earthquake repairs recently repaired, lime-washed, ‘mud and and strengthening. The Court stud’ walls, and original kahikatea floorboards, “After 50 years of functioning as a museum the building remains a great example of the display case, the Langlois-Éteveneaux House, Customs House and construction methods used by early settlers. Cottage will emerge as a museum object in Langlois-Éteveneaux Cottage its own right”. Restoration and strengthening of the are being restored as part of Category 1 Langlois-Éteveneaux Cottage, built Heritage New Zealand’s Area Manager the Christchurch City Council’s between 1841 and 1845, is underway. The Canterbury/West Coast, Christine Whybrew, Facilities Rebuild programme. chimney was damaged in the earthquakes is impressed with Akaroa Museum’s and it was decided not to reinstate the approach. chimney above the roof line as this would “It’s exciting for us to see a museum use THE COURT HOUSE, a Category 2 building destroy the original foundations. The repair of a historic building as an exhibit. Their on Heritage New Zealand’s List, was built in the cottage has resulted in some fascinating interpretation will help visitors to read 1879 and sits to the left of the museum. It has discoveries, including massive river boulders the history of the building through the received repairs to its sub-floor, foundations, used as foundations under the fireplace. physical remains.” n
heritage.org.nz 17 CENTRAL REGION
THE ROAD STARTED as the route of an old Maori trail from the East Coast to the centre west, another sheep station of great historic of the North Island. In the 15th century one note, Matapiro (Category 1), comes into view. of the most famous Maori leaders, Tamatea Take note as you settle in for the drive across Pokai Whenui, arrived in New Zealand on the Route the Gentle Annie and this magnificent rural Takitimu canoe and he travelled the trail with landscape that there are no shops on the his son Kanungunu. Many place names on the of great highway. Make sure you have all the supplies trail are called after the animals he carried in you need for the journey. You will encounter his basket. beauty and sheep trucks, other large transporters, For nearly 50 years the Inland Patea Trail’s logging trucks, campervans and cyclists historic interest main port was Napier, and everything was travelling across this historic route of sheep packed on horses over the ranges. By the and cattle stations. The Napier to Taihape road, 1870s the route had a vast number of merino Getting closer to your destination, some with a travel time of less than sheep stations and transporting stock was a 42km from Taihape, you will encounter the huge undertaking. These stations were known three hours, is a historic route historic Springvale Bridge (Category 1), near to shear up to 75,000 sheep, and the wool was that offers travellers spectacular Springvale Station. Built between 1923 and transported to the port of Napier. views and a host of established 1925, the Springvale Suspension Bridge spans sheep stations, many dating If you are heading out of Napier and Hastings the Rangitikei River and is a most attractive towards Taihape you will pass one of the stopping point to take in the history of the from the late 19th century. largest historic woolsheds (Category 1) in area. The single lane bridge is a popular Officially known as the Inland the North Island at Maraekakaho Station, fishing and swimming spot. It was replaced Patea Heritage Trail, it is a special close to the road on State Highway 50. The in the highway network in 1970, but remains part of the North Island, as Maraekakaho Station dates from the 1850s as a rare example of an early 20th century on land purchased by Sir Donald McLean. It suspension bridge. It was the first engineering David Watt writes. was one of New Zealand’s premier stations heritage structure to become a New for Merino, Lincoln and Leicester sheep. As Zealand Historic Places Trust (now Heritage you travel on through Crownthorpe heading New Zealand) property in the late 1970s.
18 heritage.org.nz Ownership was transferred to the Department of Conservation last year. Travelling further west other significant heritage landmarks await. The Erewhon Sheep Station, originally spelt Erehwon – nowhere in reverse – is 34km northeast of Taihape. The homestead was built with locally made bricks in 1884. The station carried around 80,000 sheep in the 1870s and was And so finally into Taihape, a wonderful managed by Robert Thompson (RT) Batley. (FAR LEFT): Springvale Bridge. stopping place for great coffee and food, (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) One of the earliest homes of settlers in the where you have the choice of heading north isolated ranges between Rangitikei and to Waiouru and beyond to the ski fields and (LEFT): Maraekakaho Hawke’s Bay is Birch Homestead (Category1) Taupo, or south to Hunterville, Mangaweka Woolshed. at Moawhango, 18km north east of Taihape. and Bulls, or staying and relaxing in Taihape. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) Built in 1868, it is of special significance as There is much to admire in this township, the (ABOVE TOP): Erewhon a rare and early remaining example of a gateway to many places. There are a number Homestead. (CREDIT: HERITAGE cob house. The 1868 settlement of this area of historic churches, and the opportunity to NEW ZEALAND) expanded after RT Batley opened a store to take in a movie at the century-old Majestic (ABOVE): Taihape’s Majestic
service farms in the area. In 1902 a private Theatre (1917) in Tui Street. This building is a Theatre.
memorial chapel was built from locally made real survivor thanks to the efforts of several (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) bricks in memory of Batley’s eldest daughter locals who prevented its demolition in the who had drowned in the South Island. After late 1990s. The residents of Taihape and the the main trunk railway reached Taihape in Taihape Heritage Trust are justly proud of the 1904 it displaced Moawhango as the area’s theatre’s new technology that will ensure it main service town. will last for another century and more. n
heritage.org.nz 19 SOUTHERN REGION
fascinating series of events and workshops covering built heritage, caring for heritage and the popular History of Your House and Keeping Alive our Family Heritage workshops. The Built Heritage Workshop is aimed at providing a forum for building owners and other people concerned about the future of heritage buildings to discuss the visions they have, their concerns and experiences, and to ensure a positive outlook for Southland’s heritage. The popular Heritage Dance is being held Heritage South Chair, Rachael Egerton, outside the former Bank on 17 March at the Grand Hotel, with a World of New South Wales in Invercargill. (CREDIT: HERITAGE SOUTH) War II theme. The equally popular Pop-Up Museum’s theme is Women's Suffrage in New Zealand. A Heritage Buildings Open Day in Invercargill is Bringing history and likely to be a huge attraction, Rachael says. heritage to life A focus on storytelling as a vital tool for bringing heritage to life complements the Enriching Ever wanted to have a peek inside your favourite old Southern Heritage theme. building? Then make sure Southland Heritage Month Other events in Invercargill and around 2018 is in your diary. Southland include the 150th Southland A&P Show, Riverton Heritage and Harvest Festival and Central Southland Vintage AN ACTION-PACKED month of events and innovative projects in Dunedin a glimpse Machinery Club Harvest Day, giving the workshops bursts into life on 3 March when of what is possible, Andrew says. Passionate month a region-wide feel. n Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief debate around buildings, such as the former Executive, Andrew Coleman, talks about nurses home on Dee St in Invercargill, shows a vision for built heritage in Southland at that heritage matters to people. For more information on Southland the opening night event at the Southland “It is over to all of us to make the case for the Heritage Month events and Museum and Art Gallery. preservation, conservation and protection of workshops contact Lindsay Polmear He will focus on the importance of recognising our vulnerable heritage and I know that this at southlandheritagemonth@ the value and potential of Invercargill and can be done.” gmail.com or visit Heritage South’s Southland’s heritage buildings and streetscapes. Facebook page at facebook.com/ Heritage South Chair, Rachael Egerton, says HeritageSouthNZ There are many positive opportunities for the opening talk would set the tone for a heritage preservation, with examples of
Published by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Heritage Quarterly keeps you up-to-date with heritage work from around New Zealand.
For more information or to subscribe, write to PO Box 2629, Wellington 6011 or contact the editor, phone: 04 470 8066 or email: [email protected]. ISSN 2324-4267 (Print) ISSN 2324-4275 (Online).
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