Old lighthouse and saloon 'worth saving'

WHANGAREI - Two remote historical sites in Northland have been recommended for preservation.

Auckland conservation architect Dave Pearson, who inspected the wooden remains of the Cape Maria van Diemen lighthouse and a former gum-diggers' settlement on the edge of the Waipoua Forest, says that, despite their remoteness, both sites should be preserved for their historical significance.

The 120-year-old lighthouse on Motuopao Island, just off the cape, is one of only two of its style in New Zealand - the other is at Centre Island, in Foveaux Strait.

Mr Pearson describes the northern structure as "a bit of an oddity."

The Motuopao Island light started operating in 1879. It was turned off nearly 60 years ago and removed to Cape Reinga, leaving the kauri and hardwood base uncovered.

Despite the extreme conditions on the island, the 7m-high remains are in remarkably good shape, Mr Pearson says.

"There is decay, but a lot of the structure is Australian ironwood framing which is in relatively good condition."

Mr Pearson would like to see the outside re-clad in kauri weatherboards, leaving the internal framing open to view from inside.

Despite its location on a nature reserve not easily accessible to the public, Mr Pearson says, it still forms a prominent structure visible from Cape Reinga.

Immediate action is needed to save the remains, the most urgent need being fitting a cover over the gap left when the light was removed.

Mr Pearson also sees merit in preserving a small group of buildings at Kawerua to the south, on the coastal edge of the Waipoua Forest.

Located between the Hokianga Harbour and Mangonui Bluff, the small community at Kawerua grew before the turn of the century to serve kauri gum diggers and travellers, and once even boasted a post office and racecourse.

The settlement was abandoned decades ago, with the remaining kauri structures of the hotel and saloon later used for firewatching and scientific research. More recently they have provided shelter for surfers, fishers, cannabis growers and squatters.

Mr Pearson says that despite some vandalism the structures are still basically sound.

"It has been trashed but if a use could be found for the buildings, like a backpackers' lodge as part of a heritage trail, then they are well worth preserving."

A Northland conservancy archaeologist, Joan Maingay, will apply for special conservation funding this year to start urgent work.