Old Patterns, New Practice

Abstract

The New Zealand rural landscape is revered for its natural beauty alongside its highly productive agricultural industry characterised by intense and sustained human modification of the natural environment. Typical conservation practice in New Zealand is concerned with preserving what is “natural’. This thesis ‘Old Patterns, New Practice’ challenges these notions. It suggests that natural and cultural heritage is a living process, more about adaptation and growth than preservation and control. It sees agricultural landscapes as an important part of our cultural heritage and explores the patterns associated with human intervention to develop a new productive environment where the living heritage of rural New Zealand can be expressed.

Can productive landscapes be considered as a type of heritage landscape? What if heritage landscapes were an integral part of a new productive surface and could improve production?

This project aims to propose an integrated network of natural and manmade systems that function together as a productive surface with positive outputs for the local economy and the ecological environment. In finding the balance between the production of the land and the ecological qualities without hindering either, a successful living heritage landscape can be uncovered.

The flax fibre industry is explored in this thesis as a catalyst for promoting heritage and ecological values within a working farm system as well as diversifying the productive landscape of the agricultural sector.

The Ōhau River catchment, in the Horowhenua District, is the focal area for this project. The natural landscape of the Horowhenua and Kapiti Coast is incredibly dynamic and has endured extensive modifications from the time settlement began in the area. The Ōhau River is no exception. Natural processes, such as the river, coastal dune fields and fertile terraces characterise the landscape alongside the agricultural and horticultural industries. Through exploring the patterns of development and landscape qualities, the living heritage of the Ōhau River emerged. The Tahamata farm block, at the Ōhau River mouth, is the case study area for this project. The project proposes to reintroduce the flax fibre industry; flax’s heritage and ecological qualities help to diversify the dairy farm system without hindering the farm’s income. The design includes the development of the floodplain, increased access, recognition of heritage sites, and establishment of adaptive spaces and the retro-fitting of vacant farm buildings.