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Conference
2006
Plants as infrastructure
Abstract:
Archaeological
Infrastructure of Wai-te-mata (Auckland) 1820-1850
JOHN
P. ADAM
In September 1840 the
ship the 'Anna Watson' arrived from Russell-Korarareka with Government
officials such as Colonial Surgeon, Architect, Surveyor, Superintendent
of Domain and their entourage of Mechanic's to create a new settlement
on an existing settled cultural landscape that can be read from
paintings and early photographs.
Central to a permanent
settlement was a permanent water supply such as springs in Official
Bay and the Auckland Domain where the Government garden was constructed
and both Maori and Pakeha gardeners worked to supply the Governor
and residents of New Zealand.
Plants feature in all
aspects of the design of this economic, spiritual and social landscape
history. Garden plants for ornament [political, iconic], food, medicine
and shelter; native and imported timbers shipped for the first permanent
houses. Raupo Typha species, a common swamp plant used to
make houses for the mechanics (skilled labourers). Flax, Phormium
tenax, and peach groves marked both Maori and Pakeha settlements.
The Government supported
the trade in what were called 'Native Productions', such as flax
and bark gathered from native trees for tannin. Willow, Salix
babylonica became an important infrastructure plant.
Using primary archives,
historic paintings and photographs the sweep of human endeavour
can be revealed today as mostly an archaeological infrastructure
of a new city.
Finally, do we have the
contemporary knowledge to identify and preserve some of this urban
fabric?
Profile: John
is a self employed landscape historian. His business 'Endangered
Gardens' has been operating since 1998 . He is currently completing
a conservation plan with heritage landscape architect Louise Beaumont
on the Percy Scenic Reserve for Hutt City Council.
Email: jpadam@kiwilink.co.nz
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