A Northland town not just built from kauri but literally built on kauri - on land reclaimed with kauri sawdust from a timber mill - is the subject of a public talk in North Hokianga next month.
Auckland University Masters' graduate Duncan Munro talk will explain how Kohukohu was shapedby its kauri sawmill and its waste, "a wooden world bathed in sawdust".
Even in the late 1800s, when vast quantities of timber were milled for housing and export, disposing of waste was a contentious issue for citizens, officials and politicians.
Kohukohu's solution was to use the sawdust to reclaim part of the Hokianga Harbour, providing space for the town to expand.
Mr Munro's research focussed on two Northland sawmills, at Whangape Harbour and Kohukohu, as well as mills on the South Island's west coast. Field research included taking underground samples of reclaimed land in Kohukohu.
"The aim of my research was to fill a gap in our understanding of our forest history," Mr Munro said. "The type of reclamation at Kohukohu was unique among my case studies and an innovative way to dispose of kauri sawdust and to increase the size of the town. By investigating Kohukohu's reclamation through archival research and physical means we've learnt a lot about methods and attitudes, and have made a contribution to Kohukohu's history."
The presentation, called Sawdust and Slabs: The disposal of waste from colonial and dominion-era sawmills of New Zealand, is being hosted by the Kohukohu Community Trust. It is intended to be the first in a series of lectures and events highlighting Kohukohu landmarks that still shape life in the town today.
The presentation starts at 2pm on August 4, at Kohukohu Fire Station. The talk will be followed by question time and afternoon tea. A plate or koha appreciated. For more email visionkohukohu@gmail.com or call organiser Pauline Evans on (09) 405 5855. Visitors may wish to check out the colonial-era kauri above the ground by picking up a historic walk brochure at Village Arts and taking a self-guided tour of Kohukohu Heritage Precinct.
