Tohu Whenua sites announced for West Coast
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
Two West Coast sites today became part of Tohu Whenua, a programme identifying places of historic and cultural significanceDate: 07 December 2018
Denniston Mine - north of Westport - and Brunner Mine - near Greymouth - were included in Tohu Whenua in an event at Arahua Marae. Both sites are managed by DOC.
Tohu Whenua is a joint initiative between DOC, Heritage NZ, the Ministry of Culture and Heritage and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.
DOC Western South Island Operations Director Mark Davies says the Department has a key role in managing historic sites.
“The West Coast Te Tai o Poutini has a long Māori history and a colourful and distinctive colonial past; consequently, its historical and cultural heritage is substantial.”
“The launch today has a focus on the rich mining history of this region which is underpinned by the stories of the people who came here to work in the coal and gold mining industries.”
“We look forward to continuing our work with Heritage New Zealand and the Ministry of Culture and Heritage as well as our local treaty partners Ngāti Wae Wae and Makaawhio as we move forward with stories of our culture and heritage in the Tohu Whenua Programme.”
The West Coast is the third DOC region where Tohu Whenua sites have been announced. Eight other DOC sites in Northland and Otago have been recognised through the programme, as well as places managed and recognised by other agencies.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
