Our Enduring Legacy of Corugated Iron Backcountry Hut, St Bathans
The Central Otago Heritage Trust, established in 2008, comprises 35 member groups across the heritage community. The role of the Trust is to represent the collective interests of these groups in protecting, preserving and celebrating our unique heritage. It is governed by trustees nominated and elected by members. The Trust is the founding organisation of Heritage Central Otago. Our communitybased initiatives are represented under the Heritage Central Otago identity.
OUR TRUSTEES
David Ritchie (Chair), Marco Creemers, Russell Garbutt, Kate Goodfellow, Warwick Hawker, David Hurd, Pene Morris and Ross Naylor. Ann Rodgers (CODC Liaison). Maggie Hope (Heritage Coordinator).
HERITAGE MATTERS
FROM THE CHAIR
We’ve had a classic Central Otago summer with many days in February getting above 30 degrees. The promise of cooler autumn weather will be a welcome relief for many.
I would like to acknowledge the passing of NZ Poet Laureate, Brian Turner. Much has already been said about Brian’s many and varied contributions to art, literature, sport and the natural environment. It is his contribution to protecting and preserving Central Otago’s natural heritage that I want to honour here. In 2024, the Central Otago Environmental Society awarded Brian the much-deserved title of NZ Poet Laureate of Nature for his lifetime’s work in poetry and activism, fighting for and celebrating the natural world. Through his poetry, he captured the essence of our landscapes and the deep connection between people and place. His words will continue to inspire future generations to cherish and protect the environment he so passionately defended.
The Roxburgh community is mourning the loss of its historic cinema, which was tragically destroyed by fire in February. Having screened films continuously on this site since 1897, the cinema was a cherished landmark and community facility. Its loss has been deeply felt by the volunteers and community members who worked tirelessly to preserve it (see page 9).
Looking ahead, we’re pleased to see that heritage will be a focus of Council activity in the coming months with the review of heritage provisions in the District Plan. Workshops with the community and key stakeholders are scheduled to commence later this month, culminating in community consultation set for September 2025. Revisiting the 2012 ‘Towards Better Heritage Outcomes’ document will help us assess progress over the past decade, as well as changes in community aspirations for Central Otago’s heritage. We’ll keep you informed on how you can become involved in this process.
Also coming up is the Council’s 2025 - 2034 draft Long Term Plan. The divestment of Community Halls and Facilities is a key issue for the heritage community. Each of these community buildings has its own history and associated preferred outcomes regarding the divestment proposal. We welcome discussions with our member groups to assess how we might support you in your preferred outcome. Consultation on the LTP opens on 18 March and closes on 16 April. If you’d like to find out more about the LTP, there are a number of information sessions planned across the district Keep an eye on the CODC website “Let’s Talk” page for details
It was great to see so much interest in our first Heritage Talk for 2025 at Earnscleugh Hall on 26 February. Sophie Briggs from Otago University highlighted the geology, mining history and flora and fauna that have evolved in this inhospitable salt environment (see page 13).
Our next two talks in May and June are also expected to be very popular. Author Quinn Brenston will discuss New Zealand’s legendary extinct bird, the Moa, which once thrived in the kōwhai-laden Central Otago landscape. We’re also excited to welcome internationally renowned heritage rose expert Murray Radka, who will share his lifelong passion for preserving New Zealand’s history - one rose at a time.
Finally, on behalf of the Trustees, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of our Heritage Coordinator, Maggie Hope, who is moving on after nearly four and a half years in the role. Maggie has been a strong leader and a dedicated advocate for heritage in the region, making a lasting impact through her work. We sincerely thank her for her commitment and wish her well in her future endeavours. We are currently in the process of finalising her replacement. We’ll keep you posted.
David Richie – Chair, Central Otago Heritage Trust
HERITAGETALKS:
The life and death of our legendary bird
The discovery of the bones of the gigantic Moa in the 1840s was described as “the zoological discovery of the century ” This region was once home to the greatest number and diversity of Moa anywhere in New Zealand.
Guest Speaker: Quinn Berentson
6:30pm Wednesday 9 May, Clyde Museum
Preserving the history of New Zealand roses
Historic roses can still be found growing in former gold mining areas and around the ruins of old houses. Their presence reflects the settlers’ emotional connection to them and their remarkable resilience.
Guest Speaker: Murray Radka
6:30pm Wednesday 4 June, Clyde Museum
CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE
CORRUGATED IRON: LEGACY OF OUR BUILT HERITAGE
Corrugated iron has long been a defining feature of Central Otago’s built heritage. Its practicality, durability and distinct aesthetic are deeply intertwined with the region’s history and character.
Since its invention in the late 1820s, corrugated iron has been known by many names - wrinkly tin, corru, galvo and more recently, corrugate. However, it doesn’t contain tin, and it isn’t strictly iron. Technically, it is a sheet of light steel (an iron alloy) that has been galvanized - coated with zinc on both sides to prevent rustingbefore being rolled into corrugations.
J. & E. Walker is credited as the first company in England to produce corrugated iron in 1829, with many other manufacturers quick to follow suit. Initially, it was used for large industrial projects, including the London Docks.
The key advantage of corrugated iron over flat iron was its enhanced strength due to the corrugations. In the early years, these corrugations were pressed manually, making production labourintensive. In 1844, John Spencer developed the barrel corrugator, a mechanised process that enabled mass production.
Corrugated iron arrived in New Zealand with early European settlers in the late 1840s. Farm buildings at Matanaka (near Waikouaiti in Otago) were among the earliest documented examples of its use. From sheds and houses to outhouses, shepherd huts, cribs, fences and commercial buildings, corrugated iron quickly made its mark across the country.
Imported corrugated iron was paint-branded so the mill that produced it could be identified. These stamps offer valuable insights into the age of a heritage building.
The gold rushes of the 1850s and 1860s in California, Australia and New Zealand created a need for rapid construction. Corrugated iron was the perfect materialweatherproof, lightweight, portable and easy to assemble.
Because of the scarcity of timber in Central Otago, corrugated iron was a godsend. Canvas tents were soon replaced with tin and schist stone structures. Corrugated iron was also well-suited for portable buildings. It could be easily bolted and unbolted, allowing the sheets to be stacked, moved and reused.
New Zealand responded to the demand. By 1864, R. & T. Haworth in Dunedin had begun producing galvanized iron locally from imported steel plates. Advertisements for the material in the late 1800s filled the classified pages of the Otago Witness, reflecting its growing demand and popularity.
As the population settled, more permanent buildings were constructed. Corrugated iron was generally used only for less visible parts. Many houses and commercial buildings featured imposing wooden or stone frontages, while the sides and back were more utilitarian - often summed up as ‘Queen Anne in the front, and a meat safe at the back’ . In between, there was usually a lot of corrugated iron.
Otago Witness, 26 February 1870
Many of these early buildings still stand as iconic symbols of our built heritage, reflecting the resilience and resourcefulness of our pioneers Corrugated iron’s distinct aesthetic continues to be a defining feature of 21st-century architecture in our region.
The iconic corrugated iron rail shed at Omakau
WRINKLY TIN MAKES ITS MARK AT DEEP CREEK HUT
Originally built in 1891, Deep Creek Hut in the Pisa Range is a classic example of a high-country musterers’ hut, once providing essential shelter for seasonal gangs of musterers working to move sheep off high snow-prone pastures.
Over time, the hut has undergone significant alterations, particularly in the 1970s. In 2005, the hut came into the Department of Conservation’s possession following a review of Pisa Station’s Crown lease. Restoration efforts by DOC in 2013 returned the hut to its original form: a one-roomed corrugated iron-clad structure with a stone fireplace.
The hut's walls preserve glimpses of its past, with a section of historic graffiti dating back to the early 1900s - protected under a Perspex cover. These markings tell the stories of the musterers who once sheltered there, and reveal a surprising enthusiasm for boxing over rugby, as recorded in their scrawled notes and sketches.
Deep Creek Hut. Photo courtesy of the Department of Conservation
Drawing of boxer on the corrugated iron inside the hut (dated 1910)
Adding to its character, Deep Creek Hut retains a collection of mustering party names etched into its corrugated iron walls - a nod to the generations who lived and worked in this remote setting. Nearby, remnants of the original horse and sheep holding paddock stand alongside a rare set of stone-walled dog kennels with iron roofs.
The six-bed DOC hut provides a unique overnight stay for trampers, mountain bikers, horse trekkers, and back-country or cross-country skiers. But, with an elevation of 1,275 m, getting there is not easy. Located on the Cardrona-Cromwell Pack Track, it is 10 km (a 4-5 hour walk) from the end of Swann Rd, Lowburn.
WHAT’S IN A NAME - DUNSTAN
In Central Otago, you don’t have to go far before encountering the name Dunstan. Dunstan Creek (now known as St Bathans), Old Dunstan Road connecting Dunedin to the Dunstan Goldfields, Dunstan Mountains, Dunstan Hospital and more recently Lake Dunstan. The township of Clyde was also once known as Dunstan, reflecting its proximity to, and role in servicing, the Dunstan Goldfields.
The gold discovered by Hartley and Reilly on the banks of the Molyneux River in the Cromwell Gorge in 1862 signalled the start of the Dunstan Gold Rush.
The word Dunstan is derived from Old English and consists of two elements. The first, dun, refers to the colour brown, while the second, stan, means stone. Thus, Dunstan can be translated as "brown stone," aptly describing Central Otago’s schist-covered landscape.
Dunstan also has close links to New Zealand’s first Surveyor-General, John Turnbull Thomson, who mapped the interior of Otago in the late 1850s. Many of the place names he assigned within Central Otago reflect his family connections. Thompson was born in Glororum, Northumberland, just north of Dunstan and Dunstanburgh Castle. As a young lad, Thomson studied in Duns, southeast Scotland, where his maternal grandparents were born - just a stone’s throw from Wedderburn Castle and Abbey St Bathans, where his parents once lived.
The earliest reference to the family name ‘Dunstan’ dates back to St Dunstan (c.909-988), who was an Abbot of Glastonbury, a Bishop of Worcester, a Bishop of London and an Archbishop of Canterbury.
In Clyde, the historic stone Catholic Church is named after St Dunstan. According to legend, the devil appeared to him in the form of a blacksmith, to tempt him. St Dunstan, known for his skill in metalworking, seized the devil's nose with a pair of red-hot tongs, causing the devil to flee in pain. St Dunstan is recognized as the patron saint of goldsmiths, locksmiths and jewellers. His feast day is celebrated on 19 May.
St Dunstan Church, Clyde
Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ROXBURGH CINEMA
Roxburgh and the Teviot Valley are reeling from the devastating loss of their beloved cinema and community venue, a place that had long stood as the heart of the town. More than just a movie theatre, this historic building was a gathering point, a cultural landmark and a testament to the dedication of its volunteers who worked tirelessly to preserve its legacy. Its absence has left a void that will be difficult to fill.
Films have been screened at this site for almost 130 years, with films initially delivered by stagecoach. An advertisement in the Mount Benger Mail (1897) highlighted some of the early films shown at the Roxburgh Athenaeum Hall, including the Queen's Jubilee Procession, the Melbourne Cup and the CorbettFitzsimmons fight.
In 1929, a new building was proposed, with the Evening Star newspaper reporting that a loan had been approved for its construction.
"The new hall and picture palace will be a very useful adjunct to the town, as the existing Town Hall is a wooden structure and has served its purpose for many years. The renowned architect D. G. Mowat was appointed to design the building, ensuring it would stand the test of time.” (18 June 1929)
The original Athenaeum Hall was relocated to the back of the property to make way for the new Art Deco Town Hall, which opened its doors in 1931. The Athenaeum Hall continued to serve as a dance venue, while the cinema took pride of place, quickly becoming a focal point of Roxburgh and the wider Teviot Valley.
Roxburgh Cinema - photo by Curtis Crawford Mount Benger Mail 1897
Over the years the building has evolved to accommodate a 258-seat theatre, a smaller 14-seat theatre, a stage, a dining room, a dance hall, a ticket shop and a kiosk. From the 1930s onwards, it was a venue for movie screenings, musicals, social events, private gatherings and club functions. In 1997, a major renovation saw the installation of a terraced floor, Central Otago’s first Dolby stereo system and a custom-designed Teviot Tartan carpet - all part of a $327,800 upgrade that ensured its continued use for future generations.
By the 1970s, commercial operations of the cinema were handed over to the local community. The volunteers worked tirelessly to preserve the cinema, with every dollar raised going back into the complex.
As technology advanced, so did the theatre. In 2015, the old 35mm film projector was replaced with a state-of-the-art digital system. A second and more intimate 14seat theatre, called ‘The Attic’, was added in 2019. The Attic seats were salvaged from Christchurch’s Moorhouse Ave Cinema, which was demolished after the earthquakes. Through every upgrade, screening and gathering, the Roxburgh Cinema became the heart of the community.
For decades, the Roxburgh Cinema was believed to be the longest continuously running movie theatre in the world. However, the Washington Iowa State Cinema in the United States has been operating for seven months longer, thwarting any attempts to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Locals are now determined to preserve their record status of being the longest continuously run cinema in the Southern Hemisphere. The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre and Improvements Committee is already making plans to continue showing films on the historic site.
"At this stage, we’re planning to set up outside, maybe in the car park, once it’s safe to do so, " said Committee Chair and longtime movie projectionist Curtis Crawford. "We’ve already been offered some projection equipment, and all going well, Roxburgh Cinema’s next screening will be at the end of March."
The building may have been destroyed, but the magic of cinema and community resilience lives on.
Inside the cinema, which boasted custom designed Teviot Tartan carpet
THE CROMWELL ARGUS
WINS THE RACE TO TELL THE NEWS
The battle to dominate Cromwell’s news scene in the 19th century was hard fought. In the end, it was the Cromwell Argus that won the day.
In October 1869, George Fenwick and James Matthews, owners of the Lawrencebased Tuapeka Press and Goldfields Advocate, visited Cromwell to explore the possibility of establishing a newspaper there instead of in Lawrence. They discovered that Robert Carrick also intended to start a newspaper in Cromwell but decided to proceed with their plans after Carrick assured them he would not move forward with his venture. However, Carrick later reneged on his promise and launched the Cromwell Guardian.
The Cromwell Argus was originally located on the old Melmore Terrace. When the Clyde Dam was filled in 1990, the original corrugated iron building was relocated to higher ground and now forms part of Cromwell’s heritage precinct.
The race was on to be first. On Saturday, 6 November 1869, Fenwick set off from Lawrence on horseback with 500 copies of the first edition of the Cromwell Argus strapped to the front of his saddle. He arrived in Cromwell on Monday and before breakfast, had distributed all of the papers. Cromwell was not large enough to support two newspapers, and the rival Cromwell Guardian lasted only a short time.
George Fenwick transferred his interest in the Cromwell Argus to his brother William in 1871 and went on to be a major figure in the New Zealand newspaper
industry, editing and managing the Otago Daily Times for many years and he played a key role in the establishment of the United Press Association.
Matthews and William Fenwick sold the Cromwell Argus to Stephen Noble Brown in 1875; Brown ran the Cromwell Argus successfully for 12 years and subsequently moved to Dunedin where he was involved with the Evening Herald. William Fenwick went on to achieve prominence as editor of the Otago Witness for 27 years.
The Cromwell Argus had a longrunning battle with its neighbour, the Clyde-based Dunstan Times, fuelled by antagonism between the editors and the rivalry between Cromwell and Clyde. The tone of the relationship is exemplified in an article in the Cromwell Argus in February 1876 which referred to the ‘bilious venom’ and ‘wild ravings’ of the Dunstan Times (see right).
Cromwell Argus criticises news coverage in the Dunstan Times (1 Feb 1876)
In 1899, a rival closer to home appeared with the arrival of the Cromwell Times, established by Patrick Dunne who had previously been associated with the Mt Benger Mail. The Lake Wakatip Mail commented that the Cromwell Times was launching at a time that ‘looks like a sea of trouble and an amount of cut-throat business which is good for neither God nor man’. This proved to be prescient with the Cromwell Times going into liquidation in 1900.
The last issue of the Cromwell Argus was published on 26 October 1948.
UNRAVELLING THE MYSTERIES OF THE EARNSCLEUGH SALT PANS
It’s hard to believe there are sea salt pans in Central Otago, given how far we are from the coast. Yet, on Chapman Road in Earnscleugh, there are remarkable salt pans that, to the untrained eye, may look like a barren wasteland. A closer look reveals that these areas are teeming with small, rare plants and a myriad of native invertebrates, including native bees, trapdoor spiders and endemic moths. These inland saline ecosystems are classified as ‘Threatened - Nationally Critical’, the highest threat level in Aotearoa New Zealand.
On February 26, geologist Sophie Briggs, from the University of Otago Geology Department, spoke at Earnscleugh Hall as part of Central Otago Heritage Trust’s ‘Heritage Talks’ programme. Sophie shared insights from Project Salt, a citizen science initiative involving local schools, the Otago University Geology Department, New Zealand Marine Studies Centre, Enviroschools, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Otago Regional Council.
Project Salt: Over 250 local school students have participated in the MBIE funded project
Sophie’s presentation highlighted the interplay of unique geological processes spanning millions of years, climate and oceans, as well as the surprising role that historic gold mining has played in this extraordinary geo-ecological story.
"When I learned about where the salt at Chapman Road came from, and how it got there, it blew my mind. I thought, ‘What an amazing story - people should know about this!’ That’s how Project Salt came about. This one site offers so many opportunities for learning about the connections between Earth’s systems, human impacts, and the role we play in conservation. It’s all here, if you know what to look for! " said Sophie.
But how did the sea salt get there? Tiny aerosols of salt are uplifted by coastal wave action from both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, then carried inland by the wind and deposited on land through rainfall. The unique clay pans on Chapman Road, uncovered through historical mining activity, provide a nonpermeable base for the salt to accumulate.
Although toxic to most plants, the Chapman Road salt pans are home to halophytesunique native plant species that have adapted to live in salty environments. One such plant is Buchanan’s Orache, which, under a magnifying glass, reveals a dusting of salt crystals. Two rare species of native moths can also be seen over the summer months at the Department of Conservation’s Scientific Reserve site on Chapman Road. The Crambid Moth sunbathes on the salt pan and lays its eggs on Buchanan’s Orache. The Department of Conservation monitors these species and carries out annual weed and rabbit control to protect them.
Buchanans Orache & the Crambid Moth both thrive on the Salt Pans
The morning after the Heritage Talk, Sophie led a tour at the Chapman Road Salt Pans. Armed with magnifying glasses and butterfly nets, participants got up close to these unique species and experienced firsthand what citizen science is all about. They collected small samples of the crusty earth to measure its pH and conductivity - the results of which will help track changes since the winter recordings.
While efforts to protect and enhance these unique ecosystems have increased, more work is needed to raise awareness within the wider Central Otago community.
Dhana Pillai (Geologist), Sophie Briggs (Otago University) & Lucy Francke (Enviroschools) leading the tour of the Chapman Road Salt Pans on 27 February 2025
PROTECTING & PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE
SUE HIM’S (蘇履謙) MEDICAL BOOK
The fascinating story of Sue Him (蘇履謙), a Chinese goldminer, is remembered through a remarkable artefact discovered in 1912.
Sue Him arrived in the late 1800s from Poon Yue County, in Guangzhou Province. By the 1890s, he had secured a gold mining claim in Conroys Gully and purchased land in Alexandra, on what is now Shannon St. and Bringans St. On this land, he developed a market garden and orchard and built a white-washed cob building that served as his family's home, a shop and a lodging house for Chinese miners who worked there during the cold winter months.
Sue Him lived with his common-law wife, Mary Jane, who was of Pākehā-Chinese descent, and together they raised six children in New Zealand.
In 1912, when Sue Him sold his Alexandra property to William Bringans, the new owner discovered a remarkable Chinese medical book among other artefacts left behind in the building. This book, hand-inked by various Chinese writers, contains acupuncture diagrams, Taoist spells and herbal remedies for ailments such as choking on bones, coughs and difficulties during childbirth.
This artefact not only reflects Sue Him’s heritage and connection to traditional Chinese medicine but it also serves as a tangible link to the lives of early Chinese gold seekers in Central Otago, thus preserving a piece of their history and culture for future generations.
A copy of the book's translation is held at Central Stories Museum.
Sue Him’s medical book is one of the fascinating objects chosen by Central Stories for the 'Central Otago in 100 Objects Exhibition,' which is on now at our five Central Otago Museums until 30 April 2025.
FROM COAL DUST TO GOLD DUST
Nestled in the Manuherikia Valley beneath the Dunstan Mountains is the historic settlement of Cambrian, which was once known as Welshman’s Gully. Together with nearby St Bathans, it formed part of the Dunstan Creek Goldfields.
In the 1860s, miners left the coalfields and slate quarries of Wales and Durham County, seeking a better life in New Zealand. They endured Cambrian’s harsh seasons without electricity, running water or outside communication, yet persevered with stoicism and determination.
Launched in November 2024, Coal Dust to Gold Dust delves into the early days of Cambrian. Author Tricia Batkin meticulously traces the families who settled there, capturing both the tragedies and triumphs that shaped their lives. The following excerpt tells the compelling story of a local Cambrian woman who, though perhaps unlucky in love, triumphed in her pursuit of justice.
Jane Hughes grew up in an era where women were expected to make a good marriage, often prior to twenty. However, Jane had an unfortunate romance with a well-to-do young man who courted her for some time. In 1909, when she was aged thirty two, they agreed to marry.
After two years of engagement during which time he delayed the marriage, his reason being they should wait till he inherited on turning thirty, she discovered he had married another. She sued him in Court in 1912 for ‘Breach of Promise’ and was awarded damages of five hundred pounds. Her lawyer used an equation based on the young man’s inheritance of five thousand pounds, interest at 4% and the wasted four years of Jane’s life.
The Jury deliberated for just ten minutes before awarding in Jane’s favour. What a spunky lady to air her grievances in public in those days! To be jilted was considered a shame, whatever the reason. No doubt an embarrassing experience for her. Jane subsequently moved to Australia, where she married and had two sons.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Coal Dust to Gold Dust, please contact Tricia Batkin - triciabatkin1947@gmail.com
HERITAGE ON THE MOVE:
LAST STOP FOR THE OLD COAL BOAT
The old wooden coal boat, which had been sitting outside Clyde’s Briar Herb Factory for as long as anyone can remember, made its final journey to the Clyde Museum.
It was now or never for the historic boat. With a new residential building going up behind the museum, access to its new site would have soon become impossible. Thanks to the Clyde HIAB Services team, the boat was carefully hoisted onto a truck which slowly made the short 400-metre journey from the Briar Herb Factory to the museum on Blyth Street.
Andy Ritchie, Chair of the Clyde Museum, was relieved to see the boat arrive in one piece. "It is very fragile and far from being watertight, but it’s still a thing of beauty," said Andy.
The next project for the museum’s dedicated team of volunteers will be the construction of a cradle and a waterproof shelter to protect the boat. "We’re keen to hear from any traditional boat builders out there who can give us some advice on how we can prevent further decay."
The old coal boat being lifted from the Briar Herb Factory
The invention of the steam-powered bucket dredge in the 1880s led to a gold dredging boom. Ferrying coal to power the early gold dredges was once a common sight on the Clutha Mata-Au River, requiring both skill and bravery to accomplish. The coal boat is believed to be one of the few remaining examples of its kind.
By the turn of the century, Otago's gold dredging boom was at its peak, recovering tens of thousands of ounces of gold from the beds of its rivers. This dredging transformed the landscape, leaving behind enormous tailing piles, such as the Earnscleugh tailings near Alexandra.
At this time, dozens of dredges, with crews of up to ten men, worked the Clutha Mata-Au River 24 hours a day, six days a week. Each dredge burned up to five tonnes of coal per day. Getting the coal on board was difficult, dangerous and expensive.
"This boat will now take centre stage at the museum to tell the story of our region’s gold and coal mining heritage," said Andy.
A coal boat tied up to the Clyde Dredging Company’s ‘Moa Dredge’
(1898) University of Otago Digital Collections
CROMWELL MUSEUM UPDATE
Visitors to the Cromwell heritage precinct will have noticed the progress that has been made on the new memorial hall. The most obvious change is the completion of the erection of the concrete tilt slabs for what will be the auditorium, but the more observant will have also noticed the progress made at the other end of the building where the new museum is to be located. The roof is now on this part of the building and the framing looks largely complete.
Indications are that the building should be ready for occupancy during the winter of 2026, and the Cromwell Museum is now starting to plan for its relocation. This is going to be a major task that will require an assessment of all items in our collection (including those in storage) and where necessary, the secure packaging of these. It is likely that the Museum (or part of it) will have to be closed from a date later this year, with the space being used to store items before their relocation.
26 February 2025
Work is also going to progress this year with the museum designers on the details of individual displays. Readers will recall from earlier reports that Story Inc had prepared a concept plan for the layout of exhibits in the new building. This plan will also include specifications and timelines for developing individual displays.
At the same time, the museum has been having discussions with CODC about the best management structure for the new museum, with these discussions being a part of wider CODC thinking about the management of the whole building. Updates will continue to be provided as progress is made.
Martin Anderson – Chair, Cromwell Museum Trust
Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre Photo taken
ORAL HISTORY UPDATE
A recently published addition to the Central Otago Heritage Trust’s oral history catalogue is a delightful interview with Dawn Russell. The focus of the interview is Dawn’s career in dance. This began in 1943 when five-year-old Dawn started her ballet training in Dunedin. Her innate talent, coupled with remarkable dedication and a deep love for dance, propelled her to join the Royal Academy of Dance at 18 years of age.
Dawn's memories of touring with the ballet company in 1958 paint a vivid picture. She describes being billeted with all manner of strangers with varying degrees of hospitality; performing in both grand city theatres and modest little halls in New Zealand’s rural heartland; and the challenges of traveling in the company’s VW Kombi van, which came to a sudden halt upside down on one perilous journey!
At 20, Dawn embarked on an international adventure, performing in diverse productions in Sydney while further developing her skills in ballet and modern dance, before continuing on to London. After several years away she returned to New Zealand and raised a family in Auckland. Later, Dawn returned to the south, making her home in Alexandra. For two decades, she shared her passion for dance with students throughout Central Otago, leaving a lasting legacy as a teacher who inspired a pursuit of excellence.
Raylene Fastier interviewed Dawn in November 2022. Dawn has recently passed away, highlighting the important role of the Oral History Project in capturing stories and experiences of our Central Otago people in their own voices. You can listen to Dawn’s fascinating interview by following this QR code.
If you know of someone who has an interesting story to tell about life or events in Central Otago, please contact Joanna Leigh, Oral History Manager - joanna@heritagecentralotago.org.nz
Dawn Russell dancing with Paul Genet Founder of the NZ Ballet Company (1958)
CENTRAL OTAGO MUSEUMS TRUST UPDATE
Museums across Central Otago are reporting strong enthusiasm for the ‘Central Otago in 100 Objects’ exhibition.
The exhibition features 100 unique objects across five museums, highlighting each area's distinct place within the district's historical context.
Martin Anderson, Founder Trustee of the Cromwell Museum and Trustee of the Central Otago Museums Trust, noted the popularity of the self-guided tour aspect of the 100 Objects Exhibition. "Visitors are greeted upon entering the Cromwell Museum, where the Central Otago Museums in 100 Objects is explained to them, complete with question-and-answer labels on all the exhibits, and a printed guide to the 20 objects, which visitors appreciate."
The exhibition has provided a valuable opportunity for staff and volunteers of the five museums to collaborate on a project they believe will have a lasting impact beyond its conclusion.
"There have been positive comments from visitors regarding the museum's ambiance and an increase in donations over the holiday period. The interactions with museum volunteers enhance the visitor experience, " said Martin.
Items on display include a green glass collection, canned rabbit meat from Earnscleugh, Benjamin Naylor's ledger books from the Victoria Store in Clyde, a 155-year-old foot pedal-operated Taylor Water Machine from Naseby, and one of New Zealand's first private telephones from the Teviot Valley.
Paula Stephenson, Manager of Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery, said, "We spent almost two years selecting the best 20 artifacts, researching their histories, and sharing their stories. Each story provides insight into Alexandra or the region's past. The exhibition has been a fantastic opportunity for locals and visitors to discover amazing stories about our history that were previously unknown to them."
The family-friendly ‘Hunt for History Passport Challenge’ added an interactive dimension to the exhibition trail. This initiative wraps up on 30 April, with winners being announced on 2 May 2025.
The five participating museums are Cromwell Museum, Clyde Museum, Central Stories Museum, Maniototo Early Settlers Association and the Teviot District Museum. The ‘Central Otago in 100 Objects’ exhibition runs until 30 April 2025.
Rebekah de Jong - Central Otago Museums Trust Coordinator
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