The New Zealand hearth: influences on fireplace design until 1940

Abstract

The report identifies the importance of the hearth as the focal point of the home and looks at fireplace construction, decoration and usage in New Zealand from the days of Maori settlement until 1940. The development of the fireplace in New Zealand is divided into three sections: the Maoris, the Colonials, and New Zealand 1870 - 1940. These are compared with a brief history of development of the fireplace in western civilisation with conclusions drawn about the influence on fireplace design in New Zealand.