The Log Cabin, 1950 (Ian Baine Photo Collection)
I had hoped to be back sooner but have failed to find inspiration lately so in the meantime, I've transcribed this Evening Post article from 1952 - the perfect follow-on my my previous post about Nature Deficit Disorder.
My son John exploring the bush outside Tahora HutOk so it's not a medically recognised disorder yet but it's becoming widely accepted as a real problem.
Tainui Hut, John Farrell - 2nd from right, Don Oliver - middle (Amanda Farrell Photo Collection)
Tainui Hut Warming 1939 (Ross Kerr Photo Collection)The late Joanna Lane-Taylor was a regular visitor to the valley and Tainui Hut in the 60s.
Baine iti - the oldest hut in the valleyHuts have been built in the Orongorongo Valley since the early 1900s – though they look a little different from today’s modern DOC huts! Early huts were built from materials at hand – manuka poles as framing and totara for piles.
In 1978 the Orongorongo Club was established by a number of regular users of the valley who shared a common interest in the preservation of the valley’s unique heritage. The club particularly supports the continued presence of huts and their extended use.
Find out more at our new website:
www.orongorongoclub.org.nz
Owner: Maurice & Marg Mitchinson | Built: 1970/71When Tahora turned a respectable 40 years old in 2011 I sat down with Dad to record Tahora’s story…
Dad started exploring the Orongorongo Valley in the early 60s as a young boy.
My son John exploring the bush behind our hut
I'm very excited to welcome you to the Orongorongo Club's new blog!
The Orongorongo Valley holds a special place in my heart - I first stayed in the valley at just six weeks old and introduced my son to the valley at three months.
Join Te Papa’s curators for a fascinating array of talks on New Zealand’s natural history. The six titles published in the Te Papa Te Taiao Nature Series have been […]
“I want to do something splendid...something heroic or wonderful that won't be forgotten after I'm dead. I don't know what, but I'm on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.” - 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott