One of the aspects of the WHF I have enjoyed so far has been the chance to meet with the many Southlanders who have graciously shared their knowledge. I’ve talked to Chris and Brian Rance and Linda out at the fabulous Southland Community Nursery about the species of plants in and around the ecosystems that connect with the CBD. I was blown away by what a special place they have out there. Amanda Hunter the archivist at the Invercargill Library and Archives has been so helpful and found me some amazing photos, maps, reports, books, plans…..I could spend months and months digging in to it all and making many, many works! Jane Kitson generously shared her time and tales on an estuary walk as well as her fantastic report on Kōreti/ The New River Estuary, Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku values, environmental changes and impacts: Report for the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. Llyod Essler, local historian has furnished me with his great books and we met at the Stead Street wharf to talk about the history of Invercargill/ Waihōpai. Naomi at Heritage Properties let me geek out a bit on the bricks of the 1800s and sent through some crisp photos of the preserved ones with their makers’ marks stating their manufacturer. I’ve enjoyed pulling all of these threads together and I am now weaving them into work. Thank you to everyone, for your time and inspiration!
Looking closer at the map of the estuary, a much larger area that is bordered by Bay Road - know as Riverton Road. Invercargill City Libraries and Archives, Ref: A0001 S00100019.
An experiment in handmade carbon black ink and drypoint. Thinking about the black ink representing the former stands of podocarp forest.