On Saturday Hazel, Graham and Joan, Dorothy, Catherine and Owen, Don, Mark and Wayne drove out to the Raincliff area near the Opihi River to view an historic Maori rock art site under conservation action. The weather was cool and overcast and at times partly warm and sunny. We were greeted by Phil Brownie who was our guide for the day. Phil first gave us a comprehensive talk about the natural and human history and significance of the site and the recent conservation efforts being made to preserve and to promote the site. The underlying geology of the area is limestone, which forms natural overhangs and caves the early Arowhenua people would stay in these tempory shelters during their food foraging trips. Many individuals, groups and clubs are involved and contribute to the ongoing conservation work. Phil has a long interest in the area and is very passionate about conserving, maintaining and promoting the rock art site. Phil then led us on a slow walk along the well maintained tracks explaining eveything as we went along. There is an ongoing preditor control operation and a lot of native shrubs and trees are regularly being added to the site – a big operation in itself.
Once we reached the end of the trail we started work. Phil had a small patch of land to be planted in natives. All that was needed was on site for us to use: the plants, the weed mats, the tree protectors and stakes, the tools, gloves. It was our job to put them into the ground. We worked in small groups. Some of us dug holes, others put the plants in the holes. The shrubs and trees were close spaced. One metre intervals was required, this meant that when they matured they did not leave space for weeds to grow up between them – a simple and practical low maintenance scheme. In total the nine of us planted about 200, only a small number compared to all of the natives that had already been planted. After this Phil took us back via the cave art sites. Some sites were open air, one was enclosed in a secure cage. We were given access to the secure site and Phil gave us a good explanation of what was visible and what their historical and cultural significance were. The most significant drawing was called “The Taniwha” which took up a large part of the limestone overhang.
After looking at the rock art we walked back up to the vehicles. Phil explained some more about the site.
Many thanks to Phil for a very enjoyable and informative day out, and to Hazel for putting it all together.