Pioneers of skiing in New Zealand are figures often thought of
as exemplars of the Kiwi spirit - intrepid adventurers, dedicated
amateurs, innovative engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs. Like
an avalanche, skiing developed slowly at first and then gathered
undeniable momentum.
Coberger is the name associated with the first competitor from
the Southern Hemisphere to win a medal in the Winter Olympics, a
silver in the slalom at the 1992 Games in Albertville, France. But,
through Annelise Coberger's immediate forbears, the name was already
imbedded in the history of New Zealand skiing.
When should a building first be eligible for listing? Are we waiting
too long and losing the best of our architectural heritage? Are
we preserving survivors rather than key examples?