Highlights of The Settled Landscape
Posted 1 December 2008 // Te Ara
The Settled Landscape is the fourth major release from Te Ara, the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. The 97 entries tell of the transformation of New Zealand’s landscape, the farming of animals and crops, and every aspect of rural life – from beekeeping and shearing to country schooling and rural language. The entries have been gathered into eight sections.
Animal FarmingThe farming of beef and dairy cows, sheep, deer, pigs, poultry, goats and exotic animals.
Changing the LandscapeHow the countryside was transformed by fire, fencing, irrigation and drainage, soil erosion and the introduction of new pastures and new technology.
Claiming the LandFirst Māori and then Pākehā named the land, mapped it and asserted ownership over it.
Country LifeA distinctive way of life emerged in rural New Zealand – unusual buildings and types of work, ways of speaking, forms of clothing, and its own recreations from duck shooting to rodeo.
CropsThe cultivation of wheat and grains, apples and pears, citrus, kiwifruit, berries and other fruit, mushrooms, kūmara, wine, hops, tobacco and hemp.
Farming Support ServicesFarming is made possible by a range of other people – vets, drovers, topdressers, researchers, government officials and stock and station agents.
Introduced Plants and AnimalsSome new plants and animals have proved valuable – horses, dogs, earthworms, fish for recreation and pets to enjoy. But rabbits, possums, rats, insects, weeds and some birds have become pests.
Trees and GardensExotic trees are grown in commercial forests, as shelter on farms and to adorn gardens, both public and private.
Some highlights from The Settled Landscape
The Christmas carol fence
Sir George Grey's zebras
Farmers conquer Canterbury
Types of horse carriage
The whakapapa of apples
Prize-winning steak
Fred Dagg's farm
The farm dogs' Swanndris
Godfrey Bowen's underwear
A koroua with kūmara
Cuban Wellington
Icons of country towns
Defence against magpies
How to make moccasins
Shrek the sheep
Te Ara is now working hard on the fifth major release, The Economy and the City. This tells the story of how people made a living – from early Māori trade and colonial work such as domestic service, to today’s creative industries. It will also cover the development of city life in New Zealand from street life to department stores. Malcolm McKinnon and Ben Schrader are the theme editors for this section.
