Ten days before Christmas I began the long drive from Dunedin up to the Far North. I’ll be based in sunny Kerikeri until the end of February, during which time I’ll be seeking out farming families, local historians, and others ‘in the know’ about this very special part of the country. Already the cross-currents of culture, geography and history – and rich artistic traditions – are becoming very apparent.
It is a daunting task to become familiar with a place that is so new to me. Fortunately I’ve had the benefit of many insights from the locals I’ve met so far. I look forward to speaking to families from all over the district about their experience of farm inheritance and sense of affinity with this dynamic, creative and challenging landscape.
Looking across the Hokianga Harbour from Omapere. Photograph by Jane McCabe.
