Ocean beach baches : Palliser Bay - Wairarapa : the case for the continued presence of bach dwellings along Wairarapa's southern shoreline

Abstract

The topic I chose to research is important to me with its relevance to the sea. I have always been interested in exploring the coastline. The sense between safety of the shore and the fascination of what is unknown in the sea intrigues me. My introduction to baches began on a school trip to Red Rocks, an area near Sinclair Head in Wellington. I imagined the baches there could provide a base camp to start exploring from, and allow the pursuit of this fascination. Awareness about the Ocean Beach Baches situation began in summer 1988-89 when I learned these baches were going to be demolished, and wondered what could be done to prevent this. I was interested in them as I thought they were expressive of a pioneering spirit. Although the bach has been reinvented all over the world, I felt they represent an important part of our heritage. But what I find difficult to understand is what makes these baches so objectionable that they have to be removed, and with that threat of demolition, it makes an important topic to report on.