Spring 2024

Protecting, preserving & celebrating our heritage Spring 2024

Published by the Central Otago Heritage Trust www.heritagecentralotago.org.nz

Published by the Central Otago Heritage Trust www.heritagecentralotago.org.nz

ABOUT US The Central Otago Heritage Trust, established in 2008, comprises 32 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, Lynda Gray, Warwick Hawker, David Hurd, Pene Morris & Ross Naylor. Ann Rodgers (CODC Liaison).

Maggie Hope (Heritage Coordinator).

CONTENTS HERITAGE MATTERS...................................................................................................... 2 FROM THE CHAIR...................................................................................................... 2 CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE .................................................................................... 4 THE WONDERS OF OUR SOUTHERN NIGHT SKIES ............................................ 4 MEET MRS HERON - ‘THE GRAND OLD LADY OF ROXBURGH’ ........................ 7 HERITAGE TALKS ...................................................................................................... 9 TAKE 5 - INTRODUCING THE HAEHAEATA NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST ...... 10 OUR NEW HERITAGE IMAGE GALLERY ............................................................... 11 OTAGO GOLDFIELDS HERITAGE TRUST UPDATE ............................................ 12 PROTECTING & PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE ........................................................ 13 HOW WE LEARN HISTORY..................................................................................... 13 HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR EARNSCLEUGH CASTLE RESTORATION .......... 15 WELCOMING OUR NEW ORAL HISTORY VOLUNTEERS .................................. 16 FROM HEARSAY TO HISTORY: HOLDEN’S COTTAGE ...................................... 17 MEET THE CHAIR - CENTRAL OTAGO MUSEUMS TRUST................................ 20 PLANS FOR CROMWELL MUSEUM TAKING SHAPE .......................................... 21 CONNECT WITH US ..................................................................................................... 22 OUR SUPPORTERS ...................................................................................................... 22 Cover image courtesy of Bill Siddells - ‘Blossom Dust’ 1

HERITAGE MATTERS FROM THE CHAIR Spring brings new energy and enthusiasm for getting things done, but the past few months have also been busy.

We recently received confirmation that our grant application to the Council’s Community Fund was successful. This funding enables us to employ our part-time coordinator, Maggie Hope, to help achieve the Trust’s program of work.

We recognize that funding for community-based initiatives is increasingly challenging. If you are applying for a grant, we may be able to assist by providing a letter of support to include with your application. Please get in touch with Maggie if you’d like to explore this option.

Our Oral History Project received further funding with a $9,500 grant from the Lotteries Environment and Heritage Fund and a second tranche of funding from the Central Lakes Trust. In July, we organised a full-day oral history training workshop to replenish our pool of volunteers. We now have an additional 16 new volunteers trained in using internationally recognized standards and best practice for recording oral histories.

The photos from last year’s ‘Heritage In Focus Photography’ competition are now available for download in our website’s image gallery, which was launched a few weeks ago. Feel free to use any of these 175 images on your website and in other heritage-related communications. Please remember to credit the photographer when using the images. Find out more about this resource on page 11.

Our 'Heritage Talks' program continues to attract significant interest, with most events being oversubscribed. The ‘Night Skies of Otago’ talk by Andy Davey, held at Central Stories in August, took us on a wonderful journey into the galaxies that can only be viewed from the southern hemisphere. Protecting our relatively pristine night skies is something we can all contribute to by using simple techniques for managing artificial outdoor lighting. Find out more on page 6.

Coming up in September at Clyde Museum, fellow Trustee Russell Garbutt will present ‘The Life and Times of Vincent Pyke,’ and shed light on the lesser-known aspects of this 19th-century go-getter. Then, on 20 November, as part of our AGM, we will welcome guest speaker Associate Professor James Beattie from Victoria University, who will discuss ‘The Experiences of the Chinese on the Otago Goldfields.’

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On behalf of Trustees, I’d like to welcome three new members to the Trust: 1. Old Cromwell Inc. 2. Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust 3. Maniototo Early Settlers Museum This brings our membership base to 32 organisations with a focus on heritage. We look forward to formally welcoming these new members at our AGM in November.

I would also like to welcome Jane Lancaster (MNZM) as the new Chair of the Central Otago Museums Trust. Jane brings extensive governance experience in commercial and not-for-profit sectors that will be put to good use in strengthening connectivity and capability within our Central Otago museums network (see page 20). The Central Museums 100 exhibition, launching in October, is a testament to what can be achieved when working as a collective.

There is much work ahead of us. We’re hopeful that the consultation process to update the heritage provisions in the CODC District Plan, scheduled for later this year, will inform our Strategic Direction.

We would also like to use this engagement opportunity to assess the benefits of our Council and the community developing a wider arts, culture and heritage strategy for our district.

David Ritchie, Chair - Central Otago Heritage Trust (COHT)

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CELEBRATING OUR HERITAGE THE WONDERS OF OUR SOUTHERN NIGHT SKIES What makes our part of the world so special for stargazers, was the topic of a Heritage Talk held at Central Stories in August. Andy Davey, from the Winterstellar Charitable Trust, took attendees on an astronomical journey, showcasing the stars and galaxies that are visible in the southern hemisphere.

Our breathtaking night sky views are partly due to the Earth's tilt on its axis.

The South Pole points towards the galactic core of the Milky Way, a region teeming with stars, gas, dust and home to a super-massive black hole around which the galaxy revolves. “Otago is one of the rare places on Earth where you can witness both the galactic core and an aurora,” says Andy.

"Another striking feature of the southern sky is the Magellanic Clouds which are two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. Named after the 26th century explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, these galaxies offer a unique opportunity to study the processes of galaxy formation and evolution.”

You might be wondering what night skies have to do with heritage.

Throughout history, every civilisation has created its own stories and interpretations of the heavens. The night sky intertwines natural, cultural and historical elements, encompassing the intangible aspects of heritage such as oral traditions, performing arts, social and ritual practices, gardening milestones and festive events.

The Milky Way from Poolburn Tunnel on the Otago Central Rail Trail

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One of the most iconic features of our southern night skies is the Southern Cross, or Crux. Though small, this distinct constellation serves as a metaphorical symbol and a navigation aid for many cultures. In Australia and New Zealand, the Southern Cross is a prominent emblem, appearing on the flags of both nations. For Māori, it represents Te Punga, the anchor of the great celestial canoe, Te Waka o Rangi.

The constellation known as “Te Waka o Rangi” is connected to the setting of Matariki. Known by a variety of names based on regional kōrero, Te Waka o Rangi is a canoe with Matariki at the front and Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt, at the back. The waka is captained by a star named Taramainuku, who casts his net, Te Kupenga a Taramainuku, each evening upon the Earth and hauls up the souls of those who have died that day.

The spirits of the deceased are placed on his waka until Haratua, the Tangaroa moon marking the end of the year. At this time, Matariki sets, and Te Waka o Rangi becomes vertical in the western sky, setting with the sun. As Matariki sets, Taramainuku guides the souls on their journey into the heavens of Rarohenga.

Courtesy of https://matariki.twoa.ac.nz

Many of the stars visible to the naked eye are located thousands of light-years away. With strong binoculars, you can observe Centaurus A, a galaxy approximately 13 million light-years away.

“This means that the light we see from Centaurus A left there shortly after Lake Manuherekia dominated the Central Otago landscape. Closer to home, the Matariki

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(or Pleiades) cluster is a mere 440 light-years away, meaning the light we see today left there not long after the extinction of the Haast Eagle and the Moa!” says Andy.

The lack of light pollution is also what makes stargazing so special in Central Otago.

Today, 80% of the world’s population lives under polluted night skies, whereas 70% of Otago’s skies meet the darkness criteria required for establishing an International Dark Sky Reserve.

The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, the largest in the world, spans 4,367 km². A key goal of the Winterstellar Charitable Trust is to secure International Dark Sky Reserve status for Central Otago. If it covered the Vincent, Maniototo and Teviot Wards, this would encompass a total area of 7,040 km².

Otago's clear dark skies offer a significant opportunity for the region, with the potential to drive local economic growth through astro-tourism. However, ongoing commercial and residential developments are having an impact. Over the past decade, Queenstown’s night sky brightness has more than doubled, and Cromwell's has increased by 50%. Managing light pollution is the key to protecting this resource.

“There are a few simple things we can do to reduce light pollution. For example, using motion sensors or timers on outdoor lights and replacing outdoor bulbs with those on the warm end of the spectrum, ideally 3,000 Kelvins or lower.

Outdoor light fittings should also be shielded or tilted downwards to minimize the amount of light that spills into the sky,” says Andy.

In June this year, the Central Otago District Council adopted a new chapter in the District Plan (Plan Change 22) to help protect our pristine night skies. This plan change will enable applications for Dark Sky Community accreditation, such as the Naseby Night Sky Precinct.

Outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution

“It's wonderful to see Central Otago communities embracing the beauty and significance of our clear night skies. Together, we can protect and preserve this precious resource, ensuring that our night skies will continue to inspire future generations," says Andy.

Follow this QR code to find out how you can contribute to protecting our Central Otago night skies.

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MEET MRS HERON - ‘THE GRAND OLD LADY OF ROXBURGH’ Courageous, calm and committed are three words that epitomise Mrs Heron.

Harriet Heron immigrated to New Zealand in 1858 with her first husband, William Bowbyes. William drowned in 1860 while attempting to rescue the crew of a schooner in trouble at sea. A year later, Harriet married Henry Heron, a butcher who initially set up shop in Lawrence before moving to the Roxburgh Gorge gold camp at Fourteen Mile.

Before joining him, Mrs Heron sold the butcher’s shop and spent three years as the only woman at Fourteen Mile Camp.

In addition to mining for gold, the Herons ran a store and purchased gold from the miners. Once the easy gold finds ran out, the Herons moved down to Twelve Mile Beach where they set up another store.

During her time in the gorge, Mrs Heron offered tea and scones to two male travellers only to find out later that they were the Maungatapu murderers. Little did they know of the gold stashed in the bedroom!

Harriet Ann Heron 1836 -1933

After living in the gorge for twelve years, the Herons bought the Beighton’s Commercial Hotel on Cheviot St in 1875 and moved into Roxburgh. When Henry died in 1896, Harriet continued to run the hotel. In 1900, Harriet purchased Beighton’s General Store.

In 1902, she hired William Kinaston to erect a brick building adjoining the store, which became the Commercial Hotel on Scotland St. Cobb & Co used this as a stopping point and Mrs Heron was always on hand to provide breakfast and see the passengers on their way. She retained control of the Commercial Hotel until 1913.

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Mrs. Heron died on October 28, 1933, at the age of 97. The Otago Daily Times obituary referred to her as the ‘grand old lady of Roxburgh’ and noted that she wished to spend the evening of her days in the little town she had seen grow from a very small beginning. Her wish was fulfilled.

Mrs Heron’s Cottage (circa 1860s) sits on the bank of the Clutha - Mata Au River on the Roxburgh Gorge. Stabilisation to the stonework and new wooden doors were completed in 2019.

Telling the stories of our region with 100 objects Mrs Heron’s Hat is one of the 20 items selected by the Teviot District Museum for the Central Museums 100 Exhibition.

16 October 2024 - 30 April 2025 Showing across our five Central Otago Museums

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HERITAGE TALKS Take a look at the next two events in our Heritage Talks programme. Entry to these events is by koha-donation, with proceeds going to the host museum - think of it as the price you would pay for a coffee. Book your place at www.heritagecentralotago.org.nz/events.

The Life and Times of Vincent Pyke Pyke Street, Dunstan Hospital, Vincent Ward, and the Vincent Community Board are names we’re familiar with, but who were they named after?

Meet Vincent Pyke: draper, miner, politician, writer, explorer and 19th-century go-getter.

6:30 pm, Wednesday, 25 September Clyde Museum, Blyth St Russell Garbutt will highlight some of Pyke’s lesser-known activities in the Dunstan region.

This talk is the third in a series showcasing some of the fascinating items selected for the Central Museums 100 Exhibition (CM100), set to launch in October.

Vincent Pyke Image courtesy of Hocken Library

Chinese Experiences on the Otago Goldfields Associate Professor, James Beattie, from Victoria University, will shed light on the lives of Cantonese gold miners in Central Otago. When the gold began to run out, they quickly established themselves as market gardeners and entrepreneurs.

6:45pm, Wednesday, 20 November Alexandra Community House This talk will immediately follow the Central Otago Heritage Trust AGM which starts at 5:30 pm. All members and the public are welcome.

Market gardeners Ah Sam and Joe Shum Otago Witness, February 1888

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TAKE 5 - INTRODUCING THE HAEHAEATA NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST We’re delighted to welcome the Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust as a new member. We asked the Trust’s Project Coordinator, Rachel Baxter, to answer five questions about their work and aspirations for natural heritage in Central Otago.

1. What is the main purpose of Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust?

The Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust works towards re-establishing viable and resilient ecosystems and habitats in Central Otago. Our vision is to see thriving native landscapes and corridors rich in habitats of indigenous flora and fauna. The Trust is named after the Te Reo name for Leaning Rock on the Dunstan Range, the meaning of which is ‘first to greet the dawn.’

2. Describe some of the projects you are working on.

We operate the Clyde Railhead Community Eco-Nursery to propagate locally sourced native plants. Last year we grew 4,623 plants and distributed most of these to community groups and businesses planting on public land.

We have three of our own revegetation projects: 1. Recloaking the Half Mile Reserve, first year of a five-year project.

2. Flat Top Hill Conservation Area revegetation project, now in its 4th year and is at the maintenance and monitoring phase.

3. Korimako Corner, where we have been planting on and off since 2016.

3. What are some of your recent successes?

Our community planting efforts at Half-Mile Reserve have been a huge success. So far, we’ve planted 563 native trees and shrubs, along with 5,000 tussocks. This was all achieved in just two planting days, thanks to the incredible support of over 150 community members!

Working with like-minded groups is also rewarding, such as the Clyde Community & Enviroschools Restoration Group, Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful and the Lower Manorburn Working Group.

4. What are some of your recent challenges?

We’re always on the lookout for volunteers and there is such a range of ways to become involved: Trustees that oversee our organisation, data recorders in the autumn, planters (winter) and weeders (late spring/early summer) and if something more regular is of interest then there are the weekly sessions at our Community Eco-Nursery.

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There is no obligation to turn up every week, but we will be there. If you fancy a bit of bagging, pricking out, seed sowing, pot washing, or dare I mention weeding, join us on Thursday afternoons, from 1pm, at the Clyde Railhead. No experience is required and training will be given. We love 'handyman' skills too as there is always something needing to be repaired, extended or created. We’ll swap to morning sessions once it warms up. If this sounds like you, please email us at nursery@haehaeata.org.nz And of course, funding is also an ongoing issue, but we’re very grateful for the support we receive from a number of local and national supporters.

5. Looking ahead, what goals or activities are on the horizon?

Raising awareness of the benefits of dryland native biodiversity is a key aspect of our work programme. We’ll continue to do this by making connections with schools, community, local government and private landowners. We can achieve much more by working together.

OUR NEW HERITAGE IMAGE GALLERY In late 2023, the Central Otago Heritage Trust teamed up with Tourism Central Otago to bring the captivating stories of Central Otago heritage to life through the lens of photography. The 175 images entered into this competition are featured in this new gallery. You are welcome to download and use these images to promote Central Otago’s diverse heritage. Where possible, please credit the photographer.

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OTAGO GOLDFIELDS HERITAGE TRUST UPDATE OGHT stalwarts Odette Hopgood and Terry Davis have just returned from the World Gold Panning Championships in the Czech Republic. Their trip was focused on learning the ropes to get ready for the Champs, which will be held here in 2026.

With over 500 participants at the 2024 world champs, the competition was intense.

“There were eight people competing from New Zealand but unfortunately, no medals for team NZ,” says Odette.

“The gold panning community was extremely welcoming, friendly and keen to show Terry and me everything we need to know about organising the 2026 event.”

In late 2022, the Otago Goldfields Heritage Trust secured the rights to host the 2026 World Gold Panning Championships in Otago.

Odette Hopgood helping out at World Gold Panning Champs in the Czech Republic

The championships come under the umbrella of the World Gold Panning Association and includes members from more than 20 countries. Competitors from all over the world will descend on the region for a minimum of two weeks, which will give them ample time to experience the region’s tourism and heritage offerings.

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PROTECTING & PRESERVING OUR HERITAGE HOW WE LEARN HISTORY A little while ago, I asked several young people some questions about various aspects of New Zealand history. Their surprising answers prompted me to ask a few more young adults in their mid-to-late twenties the same questions. I asked: “What do you know about Mt Erebus, and what do you know about a ship called the Wahine?”

To my astonishment, none of these young people, who I assessed as welleducated, knowledgeable and worldly, and who hold good jobs, were aware of the Air NZ crash into Mt Erebus in November 1979, or of the sinking of the interisland ferry, the TEV Wahine in April 1968. This led me to ponder why these young people had no knowledge of these significant national disasters that occurred not long before they were born.

Survivor from the Wahine being served soup on Seatoun Beach Image courtesy of the National Library

This prompted me to think about where I had learned of significant events that happened before I was born. Was it at school, from my own reading, from my parents or perhaps somewhere else?

With multiple sources of information available today, how is it that these young adults were unaware of these significant events. Had they heard of the Christchurch Civic Creche case? What about the Tangiwai or the Hyde rail disasters? No, these historical events were unfamiliar to them.

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Then, of course, the next question was whether it even mattered if these young people knew about these events?

Maybe it’s just because I’m getting longer in the tooth, but to me, history and heritage are vital components of place, learning and knowledge. Without an understanding of history, we can’t fully appreciate the present or avoid repeating past mistakes. Our history defines who we are today.

A logical place to start is our local museums and libraries, which hold rich repositories of history and heritage where knowledge is retained, respected and freely available. And, if you are lucky, talking to someone who has lived through a significant historical event can provide an invaluable personal perspective. As a volunteer on the Central Otago Heritage Trust’s Oral History Project, I recently had the privilege of interviewing Anita Cowie, a survivor of the Wahine disaster - but that’s a story for another time.

Maybe, because of the multiple ways in which young New Zealanders can be entertained on their smartphones, history needs to be dished up in cartoon form accompanied by rap music - but I don’t think so. Looking at a picture of a young girl on the goldfields, gazing at the photographer while holding a simple doll and wondering just how her life was, or reading the story of how an airliner was directed to fly into the side of an active volcano in Antarctica, surely are worthy of being taught in schools and at home?

Last month, I was invited by Central Stories to give a brief talk to a class of primary school children about technology and how it has changed over the last 100 years - film cameras, record players, telephones, switchboards and the like.

Was it important for these kids to know what existed before their smartphones and instant communications? I believe so, and I did detect some interest from a few of them. Hopefully in some, a spark was kindled and the importance of history and heritage might take hold.

Russell Garbutt, COHT Trustee

Terrace Primary children learn about changing technologies at Central Stories (August 2024)

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HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR EARNSCLEUGH CASTLE RESTORATION The original plans of architect, Edmund Anscombe (1874-1948), for Earnscleugh Castle included ‘Union Jack’ masonry in the parapet of the grand Jacobethan building. Now, 105 years later, this masonry has finally been installed. Earnscleugh Castle owners Marco Creemers and Ryan Sanders are delighted with the result.

“This is such a wonderful milestone. The new masonry gives the castle the gravitas it deserves and brings Stephen and Marion Spain’s dream one step closer to being realised,” says Marco.

Restoration on the exterior of the Heritage New Zealand Category 1 building will pick up pace with the longer days and warmer weather approaching. The next major milestone will be plastering the exterior, including the new masonry, which was also part of the original architectural design.

BEFORE

AFTER

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WELCOMING OUR NEW ORAL HISTORY VOLUNTEERS In July, the Central Otago Heritage Trust’s Oral History Project welcomed 16 new volunteers who participated in an oral history training workshop at Alexandra Community House. The workshop was led by Rebecca (Becs) Amundsen, an experienced oral history interviewer and instructor from Southland. Using anecdotes and recordings from her own interviews, Becs guided the group through the background, aims and ethics of recording oral histories.

After a solid grounding in theory, the volunteers learned how to operate the recording equipment used in the project. By the end of the day, they were wellprepared to tackle their homework assignment - conducting a practice interview on their own.

In late August, these volunteers gathered for a follow-up session at Central Stories, where they did a guided self-assessment of their practice interviews. They’re now ready to begin their first interviews!

Joanna Leigh, Oral History Manager

Our new Oral History Project volunteers at Central Stories, August 2024

New volunteer Rosie Turnbull has experienced both sides of an oral history interview. As a descendant of early Chinese settlers, she shared the story of her great-grandfather, Charles Henry Wong Gye, who worked as a storekeeper in Lawrence and later as a special constable and interpreter for Chinese goldminers in Clyde.

Listen to a short excerpt of the interview via this QR code.

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FROM HEARSAY TO HISTORY: HOLDEN’S COTTAGE

This anonymous little cottage on the corner of Fraser and Fache Streets in Clyde, rescued from the Cromwell Gorge over 40 years ago before Lake Dunstan was formed, is about to receive long-overdue recognition. This is thanks to Warner Bros Discovery filming a Who Do You Think You Are? television programme about the ancestry of an Australian celebrity.

The TV producers came across my book, Account of Monte Christo, which details the history of Jean Desire Feraud, who established Monte Christo Gardens near Clyde in 1864.

Feraud also planted Central Otago’s first vineyard and made the region’s first wine in 1871. The book also notes that Monte Christo was once owned by Charles Holden, an ancestor of the Australian celebrity. The producers asked me if I could provide additional information about the Holden family.

It was during my research for Discovery that the Holden Cottage in Clyde came into focus.

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Charles Holden (1841 - 1920)

A note in the cottage was confusing. It mentioned Charles Holden and that it was home to nine children. Charles had eleven. But his brother Richard, who was also in Clyde, had nine. One old local identity said it belonged to Richard.

The note said the cottage came from ruins at Coopers Gully in Clyde. Both brothers had coal mines on the edge of the town: Charles at Coopers Creek and Richard at nearby Dairy Creek.

Whose cottage was it? And, did it actually come from Clyde?

Charles first settled at Waenga in the Cromwell Gorge, halfway between Clyde and Cromwell, where he built a stone cottage. Photographer Donald Lamont was with me and Clyde museum faithful, John Hanning, when we were pondering over the note in the cottage. Donald, who seems to know everyone in the district, recalled that a stonemason, Steve Sorensen, dismantled it.

“Where is he now?” I asked.

“Dunno, but I saw him walking down the street the other day,” said Donald. Google: no reference. White pages: no listing. The electoral role in the Alexandra library: there was his address.

I knocked on the door: “Are you Steve?” He was. “Did you reassemble the old cottage in Clyde?” Yes, he did.

Then the key question: “Where did it come from?”

Suspense: “Oh, that was a long time ago, you know, Ric. I can only remember that it was near Halfway House.”

Halfway House was an accommodation house at Waenga (which means “halfway” in Māori). Therefore, the cottage came from there, and it was definitely Charles’.

Further proof: Steve said he once owned land near Dairy Creek on which Richard’s old stone house, then in

Steve Sorenson on the roof of the cottage

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ruins, sat. It was up the hill, well above the flooding, and Steve turned it into a twostoreyed house.

I then found Robert O’Connor in Queenstown, who was the secretary of the Clyde Museum at the time and was responsible for relocating Holden’s Cottage. He confirmed the cottage was trucked to Clyde from land owned by Jackson’s Orchard at Waenga in the gorge.

Charles Holden told a newspaper photographer in the early 1900s that he arrived in Clyde in 1865, but in his published obituary the family said he arrived in 1866. It seems he arrived alone towards the end of 1865 and brought out Esther and their baby (born in Brisbane in mid-1866) a year later, after he had built them a home on the riverbank in the gorge.

Or, it could have been built by his brother Richard, who was a stonemason.

Holden found enough gold to invest in coal mines at Earnscleugh and Clyde in the 1870s. He then ran a dairy herd on public land in Clyde and later at Monte Christo Gardens, which he purchased in 1883.

When he sold Monte Christo five years later, he bought the Port Phillip Hotel in Clyde which was on the site now occupied by The Lord Clyde accommodation house on the corner of Sunderland St and Matai St.

Holden’s Cottage at Waenga

A year later, in 1889, the family moved to Cromwell, where Holden owned numerous hotels until he became the borough’s town clerk in 1898. He died there in 1920, aged 79. By then, the couple had 35 grandchildren and 23 greatgrandchildren.

A Discovery crew came over from Australia at the end of June to film a programme about Holden. We still don’t know who the celebrity is; the producers are keeping it a secret until the programme airs.

I suggested to my wife, Louise Joyce, who is the secretary of the heritage group, Promote Dunstan, that the cottage site deserved its own information panel.

Promote Dunstan agreed. The panel, to sit outside the cottage, will explain that it was built for Englishman, Charles Holden, soon after he arrived in the Otago goldfields from Queensland, Australia.

Ric Oram, Alexandra-based writer and historian 19

MEET THE CHAIR - CENTRAL OTAGO MUSEUMS TRUST The Central Otago Museums Trust is delighted to announce Jane Lancaster (MNZM) as their new Chair, succeeding Martin Anderson, who stepped down from the role in August.

Jane brings over two decades of governance experience in the commercial, regulatory and not-for-profit sectors. She has been a member of the NZ Institute of Directors since 2003.

In the not-for-profit sector, Jane served as Chair for eight years with Birthright Canterbury Trust, a registered charitable organization that provides support for children in single-parent families. She is currently the independent chair for a Ministry of Primary Industries-funded research programme.

Jane’s long service to the rural sector was honoured in 2006 when she received the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contributions to agricultural and horticultural research.

The dream of living in Central Otago began in 2022 when Jane and her husband, Bill, helped with the cherry harvest season on an orchard near Mount Pisa. A few months later, they took the plunge and sold their home in Christchurch to purchase a lifestyle block in Bannockburn.

Jane has quickly embraced her new role as Independent Chair with the Central Otago Museums Trust. She has spent time with each of the five museums, meeting staff and volunteers and exploring their collections.

“I have been truly impressed by the creativity and energy devoted to showcasing the unique stories of this region,” says Jane. “I look forward to playing my part in enhancing collaboration across the museum sector. By working together, we can more effectively celebrate and protect this region’s remarkable heritage.”

Established in 2022, the key purpose of the Central Otago Museums Trust is to support connectivity between the five museums through sharing resources, building capability and looking at how best to engage current and future generations in the district’s history and heritage.

The Trust is comprised of six trustees: one representing each of the five district museums and one from the Central Otago Heritage Trust. The Central Otago District Council, a key stakeholder in the Trust’s success, also provides a staff member to serve as a liaison.

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PLANS FOR CROMWELL MUSEUM TAKING SHAPE Anyone driving down Melmore Terrace in Cromwell recently will have noticed that work on the foundations of the new Memorial Hall and Events Centre is taking shape, and it looks like the first concrete pour for the slab will be happening soon.

This is very exciting for the town and particularly for the Museum as we can now start to plan, with some certainty, for eventual occupancy in the new building.

The CODC project team recently appointed Story Inc to develop a conceptual design for the Museum. We’ve already had a couple of workshops with them to explore ideas.

Story Inc is a Wellington-based company with extensive museum experience throughout New Zealand and overseas. Some of their work in this part of the world includes the Waitaki Story and Identity Project for the Waitaki District Council, Historic Hayes interpretation concepts for Heritage New Zealand, and the Tuhura Science Centre concept design for the Otago Museum. Other project work in New Zealand includes the concept design for Turnbull House in Wellington for Heritage NZ and a masterplan and interactive concept development for the Kauri Museum at Matakohe.

Their work will continue over the next two to three months as the design concept is further developed and key themes are identified to define the museum experience.

Watch this space!

Martin Anderson - Chair, Cromwell Museum Trust

Cromwell Memorial Hall & Events Centre Construction Site August 2024 21

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