Show Notes
What can the stories of our past tell us about planning for the future?
This week on Tasman Report, we explore that question with historian, author, and publisher Dr Carol Dawber, whose work has captured the voices, experiences and achievements of the people who helped build Te Tauihu.
From early settlement and mining to the ships and coastal services that connected communities, these stories are more than a record of what has gone before. They show how earlier generations made choices, took opportunities, and built lasting foundations for the communities we live in today.
That connection sits at the heart of the Legends of Mohua Aorere exhibition at Richmond Library which been produced by the TDC Environmental Policy Team. The exhibition tells the story of the region’s historic ports, ships, and industries, while looking forward to the opportunity presented by a 30-year Joint Regional Spatial Plan for Nelson-Tasman.
Just as the people and enterprises featured in the exhibition created foundations that shaped the region for generations, the Regional Spatial Plan is about thinking ahead – making informed choices about growth, infrastructure, housing, environment, and resilience so that future generations have strong foundations to build on.
We talk with Carol about her first book, Bainham: A History, researching oral histories, preserving family archives and the importance of recording the stories that might otherwise be lost. We also explore what history can teach us about our identity, our place, and the choices we make for tomorrow.
Tasman Report is a production of Tasman District Council, broadcast fortnightly on Fresh FM, Mondays at 5.30pm.
Finally, if your family has a connection to the Anchor Shipping Company, we would love to hear about those stories for the Legends oral archive, just email us at [email protected]
More from Tasman Report
In this episode of Tasman Report, John Bullock explores two stories connected by the region’s relationship with water.
Episode 12 of Tasman Report brings together key updates, policy discussions, and stories from across the Tasman District.
Plan Change 81 on urban growth is now open for submissions. Jeremy Butler from the Urban and Rural Policy Team explains what the plan aims to achieve and how you can have your say: https://shape.tasman.govt.nz/urban-growth-PC81/council-agrees-notify-urban-growth-plan-changes
How far can a spatial plan take us? In this episode, we explore the potential and real-world impact of spatial planning. We visit the Moutere and the Old House Road Weir, take a closer look at the work of Mohua 2042 in Golden Bay, and discuss how Tasman can position itself in relation to international data on disaster preparedness.