Guided coastal walk to mark World Heritage Day

March 8th, 2011
[TDC press release]

World Heritage Day is celebrated on 18th April and the theme this year is the "Cultural Heritage of Water". This is a chance to look at engineering heritage and to examine the way water has influenced the lives of Tasman residents, both Maori and Pakeha.

The Maori view of water and waterways is that they are taonga and fundamental to the health of the Earth and all people. "Ko te wai te ora nga mea katoa - Water is the life-giver of all things."

Early Pakeha settlers used water extensively for goldmining and flourmilling. Hydro-electric schemes at Six Mile near Murchison and the Waikoropupu Valley in Golden Bay provided power for growing settlements and industries.

Water transport was also extremely important in the early days of settlement. There was a vibrant coastal shipping trade because other means of transport were poorly developed. Today heritage wharf structures are registered in the district at Onekaka and Motueka. The old stone wharf at Motueka, erected in 1887, is one of only three heritage-registered stone wharves in New Zealand.

A guided Motueka heritage coastal walk will take place on Monday, 18th April. Please meet at the old stone wharf, Motueka Quay, at 10am for a walk to the saltwater baths. Wear your walking shoes and bring a drink. The event will be cancelled if wet.

For more information, phone Tasman District Council's Rose Biss or Rob Francis .

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