Heritage
Historically and archaeologically, the Far North District is richly endowed with a wealth of assets, many of which are nationally important, e.g. the Treaty House at Waitangi. This is because the Far North has a lengthy history of both Maori and European settlement. Archaeological evidence points to settlement by Maori possibly as far back as 1,000 years ago. Sites that have so far been recorded illustrate a range of activities such as intensive gardening, habitation, middens, defended places and waahi tapu. Some of these activities have dramatically modified the landscape, especially coastal ridges and volcanic cones, e.g. Pouerua.
A diverse range of European archaeological sites and historic places also exist in the District. Early European settlers arrived to exploit the natural resources of the area, mainly seals, whales, timber, kauri gum and minerals. Then came the missionaries, and many mission stations were established around Maori settlements and trade routes, especially in the Bay of Islands through to the Hokianga Harbour. Many historic buildings, notable trees and archaeological sites date from this period e.g. the Stone Store and pear tree at Kerikeri, and the King Paddock at Te Waimate. Associations of historic buildings, objects, trees and archaeological sites in a particular area increase their historic importance e.g. Christ Church Heritage Precinct in Russell.
The Bay of Islands is unique as the 'Birthplace of the Nation' with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 and the first seat of Government located at Okiato from 1840 to 1842.
Heritage resources are scattered throughout the District and illustrate the continuity of settlement from first Maori occupation until today. There are few places in New Zealand which maintain such strong continuous social and cultural links to the past.
Heritage resources include:
• Notable Trees - A notable tree is considered significant for historic, botanical, landscape, amenity or cultural reasons;
• Historic Sites, Buildings and Objects -These heritage buildings, sites and objects contribute to the distinctive character of the District by serving as reminders of the past. They are examples of the different stages of our growth as a District;
• Sites of Cultural Significance to Maori – Cultural sites, including waahi tapu. Waahi tapu are sacred places of spiritual and cultural significance to Maori and relate to their association with tupuna (or ancestors) and historical events;
• Registered Archaeological Sites - the discovery, recovery and interpretation of the surviving evidence of past human activity in its context in or above the ground; and
• Heritage Precincts - Clusters of historic buildings that, in association with the immediate environment, have special amenity and character in addition to their heritage values.
Notwithstanding the extensive provisions of the Far North District Plan, there are many heritage resources, especially archaeological sites and Sites of Cultural Significance to Maori, that are yet to be identified and therefore can only be protected if they are identified. However, the Historic Places Act 1993 requires that all archaeological sites, whether recorded or unrecorded, are protected.
Public awareness and appreciation for the value of historic heritage is the primary means of safeguarding these resources in the circumstances. Hence there is a need for education, which in turn requires good information.
For more information on the heritage resources identified/registered in the Far North District please refer to the Appendices located in the back of the Far North District Plan.
Page created/updated: 27 January 2010 at 2:15 pm
