Autumn 2019

NORTHERN REGION

(LEFT) Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern views the Kerikeri Mission Slates with Heritage ’s Collections Advisor, Belinda Maingay, and Kerikeri Mission Visitor Host, Millie Harris Webb. (RIGHT) Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern presents the UNESCO certificate to kaumātua Owen Kingi, representing Ngā Uri o Hongi. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

The mana of two early taonga that The Prime Minister formally acknowledged capture a period of empowerment the significance of two exceptionally rare Slates writing slates dating back to the 1830s, by for Māori through literacy, was presenting a certificate to kaumātua Owen recognition further enhanced on 4 February Kīngi of Pupuke representing Ngā Uri o Hongi. by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern The certificate records the inclusion of the two a grand at a ceremony at Kemp House Kerikeri Mission Te Reo slates on the UNESCO in Kerikeri. Memory of the World documentary heritage occasion register which took place late last year. CONTINUED OVER >

heritage.org.nz 1 The slates were found in 2000 during restoration work under the floorboards at Kemp House in Kerikeri where they had lain for around 170 years. Both slates have words Contents in te reo permanently and deliberately etched into them. The first slate is signed Na Rongo Hongi a(ged) 16. Rongo Hongi was the daughter of Ngāpuhi chief Hongi Hika, and later married Hōne Heke. The second slate is an early waiata 1 NORTHERN REGION 12 NATIONAL FOCUS whakautu [a song in reply] etched on it. Slates recognition a grand occasion Exciting events planned for Archaeology Week “The joint submission developed with Ngā Uri 2 CONTENTS o Hongi and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere 13 NORTHERN REGION Taonga underlined the mana of the slates, resulting in its listing by UNESCO,” Acting 3 EDITORIAL Great results from Daring rescue Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand, Heritage New Zealand Chief Claire Craig, said at the ceremony. Executive Andrew Coleman 14/15 NORTHERN REGION Clues to early settlement 4/5 FEATURE INTERVIEW unearthed in the Bay of Islands Job a triple treat for Amy 16 CENTRAL REGION 6/7 SOUTHERN REGION Famous war horse remembered Symphony Orchestra settles into new home 17 CENTRAL REGION Second Taranaki War Trail app 8 NATIONAL FOCUS well received Incentive fund grants meeting conservation needs 18/19 SOUTHERN REGION Celebrations had at Highfield “It’s wonderful that this mana was further 9 SOUTHERN REGION Woolshed reopening acknowledged by the Prime Minister at the Esk Head restoration very place where the slates were discovered. reaps rewards 20 SOUTHERN REGION Conserving buildings in “The slates are two unique and irreplaceable 10/11 NATIONAL FOCUS expert hands taonga that Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga has the privilege of caring for on Tohu Whenua launched on behalf of the Crown and Ngāpuhi. Both are West Coast on permanent display at Kemp House and are the only known slates with te reo Māori writing of this era. Together they represent the cultural shift of te reo from a verbal to

Heritage Quarterly is printed with mineral oil-free, soy-based written expression of language.” vegetable inks on Sumo paper. This paper is Forestry Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, manufactured from pulp from The slates are associated with a small room responsible sources under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Please recycle. within Kemp House which served as a classroom where missionary Martha Clarke CONTRIBUTORS: taught daughters of rangatira literacy, Jamie Douglas, John O’Hare, David Watt, Michele Hollis, Rosemary Baird numeracy and domestic skills. and Mui Leng Goh (designer). Kemp House is a Tohu Whenua cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Members of Heritage New Zealand can visit its

properties for free, visit www.heritage.org.nz (ABOVE) The slate featuring Rongo Hongi’s signature. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

2 heritage.org.nz EDITORIAL Being positive about heritage

How can one not be inspired by the work heavily reported the story of the find – they of archaeologists and others working at the know what people are interested in because it Mangahawea Bay excavation in the Bay of attracts viewers and sells. Islands and also on the Daring shipwreck near These examples get you thinking about other the Kaipara Heads? Inspiring because they are possible headlines. How about ‘Professional adding to our wealth of knowledge about our ANDREW COLEMAN archaeology uncovers New Zealand’s history’ history, with heritage helping our stories to be or ‘Heritage inspires’? We will look to introduce better understood and told. these positive heritage headlines during the upcoming New Zealand Archaeology Week in SO OFTEN IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA late April and early May this year. WE HEAR ABOUT HERITAGE IN A There is no better place to start NEGATIVE CONTEXT. Headlines, in particular, than the truly remarkable finding The stories of how the National Heritage Preservation Incentive Fund helped revitalise can be quite sensationalist to draw the reader of what are now known as the in. As a result of this accuracy can be a casualty the historic Esk Head Station homestead as a subeditor explores his or her creativity. Kerikeri Mission Te Reo Slates. near the Hurunui River, and the Category 1 There are two positive strands listed Highfield Woolshed at Highfield farm Negativity also creeps in when heritage in Waiau, highlight the positive approach property owners are confronted with the reality to this. Working in partnership to heritage from owners and also the of seismic strengthening. The costs are always with Ngā Uri o Hongi has shown government assistance that is provided. highlighted, downplaying what the economic that the aspirations of both can Both examples provide headline opportunities benefits of strengthening and adaptively be realised. This was achieved emphasising positive heritage outcomes. How reusing heritage properties can actually bring about ‘Heritage owners commit to preserving to the owner. with the acknowledgement of and protecting properties’ and ‘Repurposing In the face of this it is so pleasing that our significance with listing on the heritage properties brings great benefits’ as heritage publications, including Heritage UNESCO Aotearoa/New Zealand two possibilities? Quarterly, offer so much that is positive about Memory of the World Register Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and heritage. This edition is no different. late last year. the many heritage advocacy groups and There is no better place to start than the truly organisations nationwide are committed to remarkable finding of what are now known the conservation, preservation and protection as the Kerikeri Mission Te Reo Slates. There Mangahawea Bay has the potential to be a of heritage. There are many positive stories. are two positive strands to this. Working in very significant find of early Māori settlement There is a lot of positive effort. The shared partnership with Ngā Uri o Hongi has shown in Aotearoa New Zealand and may, in time, commitments are positive. that the aspirations of both can be realised. prove a significant part of the navigation story. Heritage Quarterly allows for these stories This was achieved with the acknowledgement It is a great heritage example of partnership, to be told. The challenge is to make this of significance with listing on the UNESCO with the Arakite Charitable Trust, formed more of a mainstream message and we Aotearoa/New Zealand Memory of the World by Ngatikuta Patukeha, the Department of will be working to achieve this in the Register late last year. The Kerikeri Mission Conservation and Heritage New Zealand coming years. n Te Reo Slates sit alongside the likes of the Pouhere Taonga working together. Treaty of Waitangi, the 1835 Declaration of ANDREW COLEMAN The recording and removal under an Independence and the 1893 Women’s Suffrage CHIEF EXECUTIVE archaeological authority of the Daring is a Petition with UNESCO recognition – illustrious story that has very broad reach and interest. company indeed. Who does not like a shipwreck discovery? This edition is full of the promise and added The judgement that mostly everyone is value of heritage – sharing stories of people interested in finds such as the Daring comes and places. from the fact that the media recorded and

heritage.org.nz 3 FEATURE INTERVIEW

for – Alberton, Highwic and Ewelme Cottage. What makes Highwic, Alberton Job a triple treat My role is varied and involves day-to-day Q: and Ewelme so special, and why administration, selecting stock for our shop, are their heritage values so important? for Amy liaising with gardeners, collections research The houses are an important part of the and care, working with our fabulous team story of the foundation of Auckland and of volunteers, welcoming visitors to the were built for the families who occupied History and heritage has been a properties, planning events, hanging curtains, them continuously until they were passed into the care of Heritage New Zealand. They passion for Amy Gaimster from a moving furniture, supervising film crews … I could go on. offer us a picture of how families were living relatively young age. Today she is and adapting when they first arrived in New Property Lead Auckland for Heritage What were you doing before you Zealand. They are a treasure trove of objects, came to Heritage New Zealand? New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Q: paintings, furniture and books that are I moved to Auckland in April last year, and connected with their occupants. They were all overseeing three properties. She after six months was asked to teach the built within a few years of each other (Highwic talks with John O’Hare. history module at the Nanette Cameron 1862, Alberton 1863 and Ewelme 1863-64). School of Interior Design, which suited my Despite this they are all very different. Visiting background of working with and studying all three gives a wonderful insight into the amazing interiors. How long have you worked for people and their reasons for wanting to settle in Auckland. Q: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere What interested you in working in Taonga and what do you do in your role? Q: the field of heritage? What are some of the rewards of I started working for Heritage New Zealand From an early age I enjoyed visiting places Q: working in this particular field? in mid-August 2018. My title is Property Lead steeped in history, and being surrounded by I love meeting our visitors. A man recently Auckland which means I am responsible ‘old things’. My first role was as a 16-year-old told me he had been driving past Highwic for the three Auckland properties we care volunteer at a small local history museum. every day for 20 years and had decided to

4 heritage.org.nz finally come to see the house. He spent over two hours studying each room and was so enthused by his experience. Another lady, who came with her parents, told us her reason for visiting was that it was her birthday treat. She had to make the hard decision to choose between Highwic and Alberton, but promised to visit Alberton soon! She also left with a jar of delicious Highwic Honey. What are some of the challenges? Q: It has been a challenge to learn the detailed history of each property and the families, particularly because they had so many children! Alfred Buckland at Highwic had 21 with his first and second wives, Eliza and Matilda; while Allan Kerr Taylor and his second wife Sophia at Alberton had 10 children, and the Reverend Vicesimus and Blanche Lush at Ewelme had nine children. Some locals are aware of the properties but have never visited. Some had visited on school trips and then returned about 15-20 years later. Our challenge is to get people to return regularly, which is why we hold a variety of different events. I do enjoy that no day is ever the same. What have been some of the Q: highlights of your role? The biggest highlight was welcoming the bees back to Highwic after winter. It was my second day in the job and a glorious sunny spring morning when Walter Dendl, our bee whisperer, delivered them. The bees soon made themselves at home in the flower meadow which had been created in collaboration with an organisation called For the Love of Bees and some local primary schools. I sometimes show visitors the signature of Florence Buckland etched on the window pane of my office. It’s a great way to engage with children who are sometimes surprised by this Victorian graffiti. It also helps to connect with the original occupants of the house. It’s really important to capture their imagination, and inspire our visitors and encourage them to return. n

(FAR LEFT) Amy Gaimster with one of the many amazing collection items at the properties. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) (LEFT) Highwic is a great place to work for Amy. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

heritage.org.nz 5 SOUTHERN REGION

Dunedin Symphony Orchestra settles into new home

Cally McWha and Lloyd Williams had been, just quietly, looking for a new home for the Dunedin Symphony Orchestra for some time. As orchestra members, they knew first-hand the challenges of rehearsing in cramped, reverberant premises. The couple also have a passion for restoring heritage buildings. Then, in 2015 they walked into a derelict nightclub, and they knew their search had ended.

THE CATEGORY 1 LISTED BUILDING in Hanover Street was completed in 1912 and had been home to the Baptist Church in central Dunedin for over 80 years. After the church moved out, other ventures came and went, and the building fell into disrepair. The slate roof had partially failed, plaster ceilings had caved in, wooden panel doors had been smashed and graffiti scrawled over the walls. The original organ was wrecked. Despite the condition of the building, “when we walked through the foyer to the auditorium, we both figuratively punched the air as we exclaimed ‘This is it!’”, says Cally. “It was so obvious. The building has the width to accommodate a full orchestra, and the height for the acoustics.” The building was also fundamentally sound. Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern opening Hanover Hall in November last year. Engineering assessments put the building at over (CREDIT: DSO/PIETER DU PLESSIS) 80% of the current Building Code.

6 heritage.org.nz Hanover Hall, as it is now called, is “a landmark wall panels have successfully reduced sound Mrs Abernethy’s plight building within Dunedin,” says Jonathan Howard reverberations – “pretty perfect”, says Philippa. Family roots in Dunedin go a long way of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It was During the restoration, Heritage New Zealand back for Cally McWha, co-owner of designed by (1874-1948), Pouhere Taonga provided advice to the new Hanover Hall. They include her great- whose other notable designs include for the owners and the orchestra. great grandmother, a Mrs Abernethy, University of Otago, Otago Girls’ High School, who left Dumfries, Scotland, in 1873 Palmerston Town Hall, Dunedin YMCA, “Heritage restorations are often sympathetic to with her husband (an umbrella maker) Herd Street Post Office, and the Hawke’s Bay a building’s architecture but less often respectful and 11 children. She was pregnant Farmers’ and Westerman and Company’s of a building’s former use. Hanover Hall is being with their 12th child. Three days buildings in Hastings. cared for in both respects. Everyone’s very pleased after departure, her husband died. with that,” says Jonathan. The widowed Mrs Abernethy was Back in 2015, orchestra management had no subsequently swindled of her savings. inkling of what Cally and Lloyd had in mind. Although Hanover Hall is not large enough to She sailed into Port Chalmers penniless, Established in 1966, the Dunedin Symphony host full orchestral concerts, it has already been and the Mayor of Dunedin set up a Orchestra had never had a permanent home. So used for performances by chamber orchestras public fund to help Mrs Abernethy and and brass bands, and for a recording release by the proposal to become sole tenants of Hanover her many children. Hall was both daunting and delightful. legendary Dunedin band The Verlaines. Mrs Abernethy’s grandson (Cally’s “Three groups of Dunedin residents are really “The tape measures came out quickly,” says grandfather), Owen Wilkinson, was delighted with this project. There are the orchestra General Manager Philippa Harris. the University of Otago’s first Bachelor supporters, of course, and Dunedin citizens pushing of Commerce graduate, graduating The benefits of the new premises are substantial: for the revitalisation of the city’s heritage buildings, in absentia while serving at Gallipoli. centrally situated; significantly larger rehearsal but also former Baptist Church-goers saddened by His father-in-law was James Mollison, area; and a ramp from the street to the main the recent neglect,” says Phillipa, adding that there is of Mollison’s Drapery, which operated auditorium. The acoustics, however, were poor. still work to be done. from the significant building on the Happily, the orchestra took the risk and went corner of Frederick and George Streets fundraising for an orchestra-specific building Meanwhile, Lloyd and Cally say the restoration fits the philosophy of ‘give while you live.’ in Dunedin, now a Category 2 listed fit-out. Thanks to generous donations from historic place. the Dunedin community and Lotteries Grants “If we can bring a building back that’s Board, and consulting advice from the University been neglected or abused, it gives us of Otago physics department, new acoustic tremendous satisfaction.” n

Hanover Hall pre-restoration. (CREDIT: ELLIE SWAN) Hanover Hall restored. (CREDIT: DSO/PIETER DU PLESSIS)

heritage.org.nz 7 NATIONAL FOCUS Contracts have been agreed so far for the following grants made in 2018: • The Terawhiti Farming Company, Wellington, for a conservation plan for the Albion Gold Mining Company Battery and Mine Remains on Terawhiti Station • Regent Theatre, Dannevirke, for conservation work to the interior including emergency exits, and the installation of smoke alarms • Ashleigh Court, Newtown, Wellington, for seismic strengthening of the floors and walls of this apartment building • Esk Head Cob Homestead, Hurunui, Canterbury, for roof repairs, repair to cob walls and associated works • Ferntree Cottage, Dunedin, for the renewal of a wooden shingle roof Ashleigh Court in Wellington. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) • John Court building, Auckland, to repair brackets of the clock • Larnach Castle, Dunedin, for Incentive fund grants meeting restoration of the old breakfast room • Onehunga Post Office, Auckland, for conservation needs asbestos removal and fire protection • The former Rāwene Methodist Church, Last year Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga agreed to give Northland, for a conservation plan, incentive grants to private owners of Category 1 and 2 heritage listed condition report and specifications properties with a total grants value of over $800,000. • The Ritchie residence, Dunedin, for seismic assessment and condition report THE NATIONAL HERITAGE grants will not normally be greater than • The former Te Aute Store, Hastings, PRESERVATION INCENTIVE FUND has $100,000. The fund gives priority to for roof replacement been in operation since 2004 and since that stabilisation, repair or restoration relating time a significant number of private heritage to historic buildings or structures – such • The Boathouse, Nelson, for repairs property owners have received funding as repairs to masonry, joinery, plaster or to bearers, piles and joists support for conservation projects from glazing, earthquake strengthening or fire Heritage New Zealand. Until 2018, protection; to conservation work relating • The Cottage, Bruce Terrace, Akaroa, only owners of Category 1 listed properties to land or archaeological sites; for site for reroofing stabilisation, repair, vegetation management were eligible for funding assistance. The • The Gables, Waimea West, Nelson, or fencing; for professional services – such Fund has been extended to Category 2 for structural repairs and reroofing listed properties. as research, condition reports, conservation plans, conservation work specifications, • Westoe, Marton, for a new roof, Applications for 2019 grants funding will open management plans, risk management plans re-piling and other repairs on 1 May and close with Regional Offices on or supervision of work. 5 July. The Heritage New Zealand Board is • White Hart Hotel, New Plymouth, for Property owners can go to Heritage expected to consider funding applications the replacement and refurbishment New Zealand’s website (heritage.org.nz) at its August meeting. of verandah columns and posts to get details regarding this year’s grants The fund normally will pay no more than applications, or contact Heritage Regional • Woodstock House, Nelson, for 50 percent of the cost of conservation Offices for assistance in obtaining application strengthening the roof and other repairs. work in any particular case, and individual forms and criteria for grants.

8 heritage.org.nz SOUTHERN REGION

Verena Maeder, Ayla Bay Cox and Scott Davidson at Esk Head. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

summer the homestead has been a hive of “One of the most complex tasks is patching Esk Head activity with cob specialists undertaking repair spalling in the old cob on the exterior of the restoration and strengthening work. building to repair frost damage,” says Verena. Heritage New Zealand Conservation Architect, “The usually good practice of wetting the reaps rewards Dave Margetts, is enthusiastic about the project. surface before throwing on new cob didn't prove successful, because of the very silty “This is a great example of our incentive original material.” In a remote location, near the fund partnering with a private landowner headwaters of the south branch to preserve a unique place that requires Verena and her team applied a key coat of of the Hurunui River, is the historic specialist building expertise.” clay and crusher dust and then built up the new cob in several layers. Esk Head Station homestead. Verena Maeder, from Solid Earth Adobe Buildings, has been working on cob repairs. Verena has worked on a number of historic Several walls have needed rebuilding, with cob buildings but is particularly impressed THE CATEGORY 1 LISTED COB a number of additions to the homestead with Esk Head. HOMESTEAD, built in 1863, is a rare built with stud and mud construction. These “This is one of my most exciting projects,” she says. surviving example of an early runholder have had to be rebuilt as the timber framing cottage. Its thick cob walls would have had rotted. “The cob is in such good condition. The provided a welcome haven in the winter snow original workmanship is outstanding. They Elsewhere, where the cob has eroded away, and summer heat of the North Canterbury really knew what they were doing and mixed been badly repaired earlier or has suffered high country. Occupied by station managers the tussock thoroughly throughout the cob.” cracking from earthquakes, the cob has been until 1984, the building has deteriorated carefully repaired and strengthened. Integration Esk Head is a working farm and not open since. Rising damp, earthquakes, rabbits and of the repair material with the original is a very to the public except by prior arrangement, extreme climate conditions have damaged technical challenge, and Verena and her team but the owners are planning for the restored the building’s fabric. have taken care to thoroughly clean and wet cob homestead to become part of a tourism In 2018 the owner of Esk Head, David the old material before massaging the new package. Local and international visitors Teece, received a grant from Heritage New mixture in to make a secure bond. Other work will be able to visit Esk Head and experience Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s National Heritage to the homestead will include repairs to joinery, some of New Zealand’s unique high Preservation Incentive Fund. Over this flooring and the roof. country authenticity. n

heritage.org.nz 9 NATIONAL FOCUS

10 heritage.org.nz Tohu Whenua launched on Brunner Mine West Coast Fuelling New Zealand’s safety Because of an event that shook the Interest in Tohu Whenua, the national programme showcasing this nation, Brunner Mine pays homage country’s significant heritage places, is on the rise following its launch to New Zealand’s worst workplace on the West Coast late last year. disaster with memorials amongst the mining relics. Cross the historic suspension bridge, stand at the BRUNNER MINE, DENNISTON MINE places, together with providing quality visitor mine entrance to one of the largest AND HISTORIC REEFTON were the first experiences for New Zealanders and coal operations, and let the 65 men West Coast sites chosen because of their overseas visitors. who were tragically killed fuel us all significance to New Zealand, the stories they to never take our focus off safety. “Tohu Whenua will bring more visitors to tell and the visitor experience they offer. the West Coast and increase revenue to the SH7 and Taylorville Road, Taylorville. Hon Damien O’Connor, MP for West Coast- region as people spend money on attractions Tasman, launched Tohu Whenua on the and services. This in turn supports regional Denniston Mine West Coast. He announced three additional development and growth by creating Coaling in the Clouds sites – Charming Creek, Hokitika Port and employment and business opportunities.” Once a leading coal mining town, Commercial Precinct, and Waiuta – which will Denniston sits high on the edge Each West Coast site will have a Tohu Whenua be implemented this year. of a steep incline railway once marker post identifying it as part of the described as the eighth wonder “The launch at Arahura Marae in Hokitika was programme. These signs will help establish of the world. A town of extremes, a fitting venue to acknowledge the many a brand which will be recognised by local workers mined the highest centuries of history on the West Coast that people and visitors as they travel throughout quality coal but families suffered began with the arrival of Māori,” says Heritage the region. As with Northland and Otago, the lowest living conditions. New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Chief Executive, more sites will be added to the programme in Exposed and isolated, its thriving Andrew Coleman, who spoke at the launch future years. community was born out of its on behalf of Tohu Whenua partners Manatū “The stories of the Brunner Mine, the site of barren lands. Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the the country’s largest coal mining disaster in Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai Denniston Mine, Denniston. 1896, the Denniston Mine with its remarkable and the Ministry for Business Innovation and cable incline and Reefton Township, the first Historic Reefton Employment Hīkina Whakatutuki. town in the southern hemisphere to have Gold. Lights. Action. “The West Coast is the third Tohu Whenua power and electric lighting, are ones to be Nicknamed Quartzopolis and region following launches in Northland and widely told and retold,” says Andrew. the Town of Light, Reefton was Otago, and is included because of its historical “The launch at Arahura Marae, hosted the booming commercial centre importance in the New Zealand story by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, was a of quartz reef gold mining and of settlement. fantastic occasion.” n the first place in the southern “Tohu Whenua tells the powerful story of our hemisphere to supply electric heritage connecting this country’s significant lighting. Feel like you’re in a movie as you tour the character town, then get in on some action with its mountain biking and walking trails. Reefton 7830.

Facebook: tohuwhenua (TOP LEFT) The Denniston tracks. (CREDIT: WEST COAST TOURISM) Instagram: tohuwhenua (BOTTOM LEFT) Attendees of the West Coast Tohu Whenua launch visit the Brunner Mine site. (CREDIT: Website: tohuwhenua.nz/westcoast HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

(BOTTOM RIGHT) Historic Reefton (CREDIT: WEST COAST TOURISM).

heritage.org.nz 11 NATIONAL FOCUS

Archaeology can uncover some wonderful surprises, such as Larnach Castle’s historic fernery rediscovered last year. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND)

THE NEW ZEALAND ARCHAEOLOGICAL Some events include: ASSOCIATION (NZAA) is the main organiser Exciting events • an Archaeology Week Pecha Kucha with for this event. Planning started last August three speakers from the Canterbury Office with discussion among Heritage New Zealand planned for of Heritage New Zealand reaching out to staff on themes and getting good community a younger audience in Christchurch Archaeology support for regional activities. • an archaeology event at the historic Fyffe NZAA’s membership spans professionals, Week House in Kaikōura amateurs, students, businesses and various New Zealand Archaeology Week institutions involved or interested in New • in the Far North, Area Manager Northland, Bill Edwards, and senior archaeologist, will be held from 27 April to 5 May. Zealand archaeology and heritage. Its main objective is to promote and foster Dr James Robinson, have further plans It is a perfect platform for Heritage archaeological and historical research. The for archaeological site visits involving New Zealand Pouhere Taonga organisation also lobbies government and local young people authorities for the recognition and protection staff to work with external • the Central Region office will be arranging of New Zealand’s cultural heritage through organisations and consultant talks and field trips involving schools planning consultations and engagement. archaeologists to promote in the region and liaising with heritage and explain the importance of Events are still being finalised for this year’s organisations in Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Archaeology Week, with more details to be Wairarapa and Nelson to provide public protecting our archaeological posted on the NZAA website (nzarchaeology. opportunities to look at historic sites. heritage, and to reach out to wider org.nz), Heritage New Zealand’s website Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is (heritage.org.nz – under ‘News and audiences including schools and again taking a strong lead participating Events’ and Facebook (facebook.com/ arranging field trips around in all these events. Central Outreach Advisor, HeritageNewZealand). the country. David Watt, is coordinating Heritage New Zealand’s staff participation in New Zealand Archaeology Week. n

12 heritage.org.nz NORTHERN REGION According to Isaac McIvor, Heritage New Zealand’s Auckland Regional Archaeologist who was closely involved in the retrieval operation, the Daring is remarkable in that its timber is in very good condition

and its shape is

still intact.

remains of a 19th century trading vessel constructed in Aotearoa New Zealand. “Like a heritage building, shipwrecks such as the Daring give us the opportunity to The Daring under wraps with sprinklers being installed. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND) understand the socio-economic contexts of how and why they were built, used and repaired or modified. There is currently very The hull is currently housed under a scaffold little documentation of any comparable Great results with plastic shrink wrap to protect it from the wreck nationally. New Zealand’s waterways elements. A sprinkler system has also been were the highways of the past, and so all from Daring installed to slow down the drying speed of the information held in the Daring’s fixtures the timber in order to minimise warping and – joints, beams and planks – will provide us rescue cracking. Part of the conservation process with important new information about these will involve retrieving core samples from the formative years of New Zealand’s history.” timber to assess their internal condition and The wreck of one of the earliest The Daring was deliberately beached in a water content. It’s vital information which will European-designed ships built controlled way under anchors by her skipper inform the conservation treatment plan. in New Zealand is now safe and when the ship struck terrible weather off the undergoing restoration. According to Isaac McIvor, Heritage New Kaipara Harbour in February 1865. Zealand’s Auckland Regional Archaeologist Last year, the Daring Restoration Trust applied for who was closely involved in the retrieval THE 17-METRE HULL OF THE DARING, an archaeological authority from Heritage New operation, the Daring is remarkable in that its which became exposed by wind and tides in Zealand Pouhere Taonga to uplift the wreck timber is in very good condition and its shape May last year, was retrieved from its resting and to recover any archaeological materials. is still intact. It has much to teach us about place at the Kaipara Heads at the end of last Items recovered included bags of grass seed the ship-building techniques that were used year in an ambitious excavation. Daring was carrying, personal items of sailors on involved in her construction in the 1860s. board and the ship’s anchor chain. The remains of the two-masted schooner “The Daring is a nationally significant were carefully lifted onto a trailer by four The Daring Restoration Trust is planning to archaeological object,” says Isaac. diggers using strops slung under the hull, and restore the ship, and once complete the Trust then transported to Hobsonville where the “Its value comes from its awe-inspiring intends to create a public heritage display long process of restoration has begun. condition and its age. It is also the earliest around the shipwreck. n

heritage.org.nz 13 NORTHERN REGION

Clues to early settlement unearthed in the Bay of Islands A two-week archaeological excavation at Mangahawea Bay in the Bay of Islands has uncovered new evidence that the idyllic cove was likely to have been a site of early Polynesian settlement.

The excavation – which was led by the iwi-based Arakite Charitable Trust with support from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, the Department of Conservation, the University of Auckland and the University of Otago – followed on from two previous excavations, one in 2017 and the other in 1981.

“The 2019 excavation has provided further Rākaumangamanga titiro ki Rapa Nui signs of the emergence of a settlement by people believed to be part of an organised Rapa Nui titiro ki taputapu ātea migration most likely from somewhere in Raiatea taputapuatea titiro ki the Marquesas-Society Islands-Cook Islands rākaumangamanga area,” says Heritage New Zealand’s Northland Regional Archaeologist and Excavation Rākaumangamanga titiro ki motu Director, Dr James Robinson. Rangiātea “These people were likely to be from the Motu Rangiātea titiro ki Mangahawea, first few generations of Polynesian settlers, Moturua ka tau. whose descendants would, in time, become identifiably Māori.”

The archaeological evidence uncovered “The whakataukī speaks of the voyages from during the excavation complements the oral Raiatea (Tahiti) in the Eastern Pacific through traditions held by local iwi, Ngāti Kuta and to Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and to the maunga Patukeha, which clearly link Mangahawea Bay to Polynesian voyaging in the Pacific. (mountain) Rākaumangamanga in the Bay of Islands. It finishes with where we were Ngāti Kuta kaumātua, Matutera Te Nānā working – Mangahawea Bay on the island of Clendon, stayed with the team on the island Moturua. This bay is sheltered by the small for the two weeks and provided the tikanga under which the work was undertaken. He island Motu Rangiātea Island. Since Rangiātea shared a whakataukī illustrating the voyaging is another form of the name Raiatea, it connection between the Pacific and Aotearoa may have been named early to create a New Zealand, which was adopted by the connection back to a Pacific homeland,” excavation team to underpin their work: says James.

14 heritage.org.nz “Towards the end of the excavation we were Since these lie under – and therefore pre-date “While we have identified different functional uncovering evidence that appears to support a more recently made garden soil – it is hoped areas associated with cooking and food our understanding that Mangahawea Bay was that dating the charcoal found at the base of storage we have not yet found the early a place of early Polynesian settlement.” Polynesian village. However we have found each plant may confirm an association with some tantalising new evidence which Artefacts recovered from the area included the first settlers in the Bay. If that proves to obsidian believed to have originated warrants further analysis.” be the case then we have direct evidence from Mayor Island, moa and seal bone in of gardening by the earliest settlers in It is hoped that a further excavation will take abundance – often an indicator of early place at Mangahawea Bay. habitation – and evidence that fish hooks New Zealand,” says James. were manufactured on-site. The excavation was funded by the Lottery Tuia The use of geomagnetic technology to survey – Encounters 250 Programme which provided One of the most exciting finds was a tā moko the area a few months prior to the excavation, a grant of $250,000. The Lottery fund was set chisel used in tattooing. It has staining that along with a detailed 3D surface map created up to support community events and projects could reflect a residue of tattoo ink. by LiDAR scanning from a fixed wing drone, that align with the kaupapa and priorities of “The chisel was probably discarded because helped identify anomalies in the ground that the national commemoration for 2019, Tuia – some of the teeth were broken, but it’s still pinpointed likely areas for excavation. Encounters 250 (Tuia 250) n very well preserved,” says James. This forensic approach proved effective with “We will be analysing the ink to see if it was (TOP LEFT) The tā moko chisel used in tattooing the team of archaeologists uncovering a range made of shark oil and charcoal which was found during the excavation. often used in tattooing, or another material.” of structures including storage pits, numerous (MIDDLE LEFT) A greywacke toki (adze). post and stake holes, evidence of cooking fires The most exciting find, however, was a regular (BOTTOM LEFT) A small shell fish hook. and hāngi, and extensive made garden soils. pattern of shallow indentations on the edge (TOP RIGHT) Dr James Robinson (left) with Heritage of a former stream bed. “It is clear that the area was used extensively New Zealand archaeologist Laura Dawson and Ngāti Kuta kaumātua Matutera Te Nānā Clendon on-site “The initial indicators are that this could be for gardening over many generations, showing at Mangahawea Bay. individual taro plants within a taro garden. a continuity of settlement,” says James. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND – ALL PHOTOS)

heritage.org.nz 15 CENTRAL REGION

Bess was one of more than 10,000 horses that and this country’s first Ombudsman, Sir Famous New Zealand sent overseas to serve in World Guy Powles, to be his horse. An enduring War I. A four-year-old thoroughbred at the friendship was forged with Bess which was to war horse start of the war in 1914, Bess became the best last for many years. Powles and Bess served in known of horses with the New Zealand forces Egypt, the Sinai, Palestine and France. remembered in the Middle East and on the Western Front. Although most brigade horses were sold She is commemorated each year by Rangitīkei or put down after the Armistice in 1918, Each Anzac Day there is a special residents at a private memorial on farm land Powles took Bess to England for the victory gathering at a grave site in on Forest Road in Parewanui. celebrations before starting her journey Parewanui, Bulls, to pay tribute to a home. After a period of stay she was cleared Originally named Zelma, Bess belonged to return home. horse that survived World War I and to Fred Deller, an accountant in Carterton. returned to New Zealand, one of She was selected by Lt Colonel Charles Guy Dr Peter Powles, another son of Charles Guy Powles, said Bess initially went back to her only four horses to do so at war’s end. Powles, father of New Zealand diplomat original owner in the Wairarapa where she was entered into show jumping for a time before returning to the Powles family in the Rangitīkei. Charles Guy Powles had become headmaster at Category 1 listed Flock House nearby in Bulls, an agricultural school for sons whose fathers had died in the war. “When my father was at Flock House they sent Bess to him,” Peter recalled. “She died suddenly one day in 1934 while my father was riding her and he buried her where she fell, on the farm, aged 24. As a tribute to Bess, my father created a memorial cairn out of white marble with her war record listing the countries in which Bess served during and after the war and a text in Arabic ‘In the name of the Most High God’.” The Category 1 listed Memorial to Bess is one of very few remembering the role of horses in the war. It had a significant value to the soldiers who were unable to bring their horses home. The Anzac service at Bulls, at the Memorial to Bess, remembers all war animals in the southern hemisphere. The organiser of the event, Heather Thorby, says the local community takes great pride in this. “It started over 12 years ago and now over 250 people attend the service. Bess has meant a lot to our country. She was the most famous of our New Zealand war horses.” n

(LEFT) The Memorial to Bess near Bulls. (CREDIT: GRAEME PLATT – BULLS HISTORICAL SOCIETY)

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A free app for the two trails developed so far Second Taranaki War Trail app is available from Google Play or the App Store. Rob says further trails are planned. well received Attention will next turn to South Taranaki, with a focus on Tītokowaru and General Cameron’s Heritage Taranaki is to be congratulated for the recent release of the ‘Lame seagull’ campaign from Whanganui to second in its series of Taranaki War Trail apps. Project Manager, Rob Ōhāwe. A further trail examining Parihaka’s Green, with support from Ivan Bruce, archaeologist and chair of Heritage passive resistance and John Bryce’s invasion Taranaki, Nigel Prickett, archaeologist and author of several publications of 1881 is also planned.” on the New Zealand Wars, and Taranaki historian and author Ron The War Trails have been been well received. Lambert, says people are now able to take themselves on their own Damon Ritai, former Principal of Frankley School, New Plymouth and a coordinator guided tour of an interesting and challenging time in our history. of Māori Achievement Collaboratives, says a major focus has been on collecting sources of information about our cultural history. “The publication of the first two apps on the covers the main events and locations of Taranaki phases of the New Zealand Wars conflict from 1863 to 1866. Geographically, it “The Taranaki Wars app has enabled would not have been possible without funding is, except for Sentry Hill, covering locations to learning communities to have access to this support from the TSB Community Trust in the south of New Plymouth along the Coastal information. It has also been a supportive Taranaki and from all the key stakeholders we Highway (SH45) out as far as Warea. source of information for schools developing consulted over a significant period of time to a place-based curriculum. The app has been endorse the project,” says Rob. The outbreak of the Second Taranaki War a very useful tool.” n saw wholesale confiscation of Māori land. “The events of our history resonate on into Almost all of Taranaki apart from the eastern the present. We need to confront the truths of hill country was confiscated under the those events which occurred during the Land New Zealand Settlements Act 1863 (and its Wars which have shaped our sense of who we amendments) and the use of military settlers (BOTTOM) Then and now - Pahitere Blockhouse in th st are in Taranaki.” to settle and hold the land. The Second the 19 century and as it appears in the 21 century. (CREDIT: SPENCER NICHOLL PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION – The First Taranaki War Trail app covered the Taranaki War Trail guides people over the ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY – PA1-Q-177-06-2; period from 1860 to 1861. This new app hotspots of the conflict. HERITAGE TARANAKI)

heritage.org.nz 17 SOUTHERN REGION

in 1892, 24 Burgen and Ball machines were Celebrations had at Highfield installed. Innovation was not necessarily welcomed; the shearers resented the noisy Woolshed reopening traction engine and constant delays due to mechanical breakdowns. Highfield farm also After a major and innovative repair, the Category 1 listed Highfield hosted the Āmuri A&P Show from 1908 to Woolshed at Waiau is back in original working use. Its reopening late last 1945. The woolshed was used for displaying year was an occasion for the community to celebrate the area’s ongoing produce and providing shelter. earthquake recovery and the return of a local landmark. The woolshed’s size and damage made earthquake repairs a challenge. Rolleston based Heritage House Relevellers took on Farm owner, Michael Northcote, says the 2016 owners off repair, but Michael says he never the task of lifting the shed in one piece. Over Kaikōura earthquake should really have been considered giving up on the building. 50 steel beams were forced under the shed called the Waiau earthquake. The epicentre of “We came down here after the earthquakes and then the entire building was lifted 1.8 the 7.8 magnitude earthquake was 2km away and it was a mess but it never entered my metres on 44 hydraulic jacks. As a Dingo from his historic woolshed at Highfield farm mind that we would demolish. I’ve lived here digger cleaned out the space, monitoring in Waiau. most of my life. Dad died a few months before archaeologists discovered old combs, cutter “The fault ran right under the Highfield the earthquake and I thought, ‘We’ll fix it tools, blades, dancing shoes and bottles. Woolshed – you could put your foot in the for Dad’.” The old tōtara piles were replaced with 326 fault crack,” says Michael. new piles and the woolshed’s damaged roof, Highfield Woolshed was built in 1877. It is a weatherboards and windows were fixed The woolshed jumped off its piles, the building huge T-shaped structure, with 24 shearing ends twisted to the north and the southern stands designed to accommodate 50,000 or replaced. roof collapsed in. The shed floor was damaged sheep each year. Constructed from rimu, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and roof trusses separated from the walls. tōtara and local white pine, much of the contributed a significant grant to help with woolshed’s flooring, beams, weatherboards The Northcote family have been associated repair costs through its National Heritage and roof iron are original. with Highfield farm since 1884 and have a Preservation Incentive Fund. Conservation deep respect for the woolshed’s history. The The Highfield Woolshed was likely the first Architect, Dave Margetts, has been impressed extensive damage might have put many shed in New Zealand to use machines when, with the Northcote's commitment.

18 heritage.org.nz (FAR LEFT) Highfield Woolshed during its restoration. (ABOVE MIDDLE) Michael Northcote is thrilled with the restored woolshed. (ABOVE RIGHT) The woolshed has 24 shearing stands to work from. (BOTTOM RIGHT) A few of the artefacts recovered during the restoration. (CREDIT: HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND – ALL PHOTOS)

“Michael and Solveig have done a wonderful job with this project,” he says. “It’s a pleasure for us to support such dedicated heritage owners.” Highfield Woolshed’s special status in Waiau was reflected in the huge turnout at the reopening. Over 400 locals turned up to watch all 24 shearing stands in action and enjoy a barbeque and live music. “Since the woolshed reopened it has received a lot of publicity and we’ve been getting more requests for visits,” says Michael. “It’s a popular venue for wedding photos, discussion groups and local fundraising events. For now, it’s just fantastic to have it back for shearing. It’s one of the oldest, largest woolsheds in New Zealand still in everyday use.” n

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Conserving buildings in expert hands Many of the heritage rebuild and restoration projects profiled in Heritage Quarterly editions have a hidden connection – they the share same conservation architect, Dave Pearson. Dave works nationwide on a range of projects, providing architectural plans, conservation advice and heritage assessments.

But what does a conservation architect really do? Dave works on architectural planning/designs and heritage work such as conservation reports, heritage assessments and impact statements. “It’s my job to try and ensure that the heritage values of buildings are respected,” says Dave. “It’s a learning process on both sides,” says Dave. Perhaps the most personal project has been the Category 1 listed property Dave Part of Dave’s role is to make sure a heritage For example, in Dave’s role as architect for building can last the distance. purchased five years ago in Kaiapoi. Since Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga’s then Dave has re-blocked the cottage, “Heritage architecture never goes out of recent Timeball Tower rebuild in Lyttelton, he repaired cladding, treated borer and fashion – you’re doing something that’s going advised the stonemasons to ensure they used landscaped the gardens. It has drawn to endure,” says Dave. the correct lime-based mortar. admiration from Heritage New Zealand staff. “You do your best for the building rather than In recent years, particularly after the “It’s a very sensitive restoration, an example trying to build your own design reputation. It’s Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes, Dave of best practice,” says Heritage New Zealand enormously satisfying seeing an old building has worked on a large number of heritage Conservation Architect, Dave Margetts. restored and adapted to a new use.” restorations in Canterbury. The Hurunui Hotel, “Obviously Dave knew what he was doing!” n One element of work the Dave particularly Highfield Woolshed, St Patrick’s Church in enjoys is collaborating with specialist Akaroa, Christchurch’s Arts Centre, The Rose tradespeople such as stonemasons, carpenters, Chapel and Tiptree cob cottage are just a few (TOP) Dave Pearson at his Kaiapoi cottage. stained glass conservators, plasterers and slaters. of his projects. (CREDIT: SUPPLIED).

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 6140 or contact the editor, phone: 04 470 8066 or email: [email protected]. ISSN 2324-4267 (Print) ISSN 2324-4275 (Online).

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