NZHPT Information release
26 March 2010
Significant public interest in the proposal to recognise the heritage values of the Tongaporutu River Baches in Taranaki has resulted in a deadline extension for people to have their say.
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) is proposing to formally recognise the baches, about an hour’s drive north of New Plymouth on State Highway 3, as a Historic Area on its National Register. The area comprises 26 baches built between 1900 and 1955 on an area of road reserve next to the Tongaporutu River – today part of the Tongaporutu Recreation Reserve.
NZHPT Central Region Heritage Advisor Blyss Wagstaff said more than 50 submissions had already been received. The baches – currently occupied under the terms of a 10-year lease issued by the New Plymouth District Council in 2005 - were an example of an iconic New Zealand lifestyle that was becoming increasingly rare.
The aesthetic and heritage value of the baches has been recognised as a popular subject for artists and photographers, with images of the baches appearing in several publications and a television documentary series.
“While some of the baches have changed over the years, either as a result of being damaged by fire, modified or re-built, the founding essence of them remains,” Ms Wagstaff said.
“Baches were often built by the owners out of recycled material and whatever was handy. They are typical of the ‘Kiwi bach’ vernacular of New Zealand architecture.
“They are also representative of an iconic close-knit Kiwi community, where families helped each other out and enjoyed holidays together. In many cases those family bonds remain to this day.
“Historically the baches are a physical reminder of how the lower middle class enjoyed their new-found leisure time from the early 20th-century onwards. The baches in their setting have grown to be loved by not only those who live there but the wider Taranaki community and visitors alike.”
The registration report is available to view online at www.historic.org.nz. NZHPT encourages people to send in letters of submission with comments on the report or proposal for registration, with the closing date 27 April. The submissions will be reviewed internally before a final recommendation is put to the NZHPT Board.
For more information:
Blyss Wagstaff
Heritage Advisor Registration
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
(w) 04 802 0006
(e) bwagstaff@historic.org.nz