Landscape, Heritage and Amenity Values

Taranaki's landscapes, historic heritage and amenity values are important aspects of the environment because they contribute to our quality and enjoyment of life.

From whichever angle, the mountain dominates the landscape. These features or values hold social, emotional, historical or cultural signifi cance and are important economically, attracting many domestic and international visitors to the region.

Mount Taranaki, a landscape of national and international significance, dominates the landscape. Taranaki’s rural hillcountry landscapes, coastal and marine natural features and rivers and lakes are also distinctive and highly valued. They form an integral part of the region’s identity, natural character and appeal. Many have cultural significance for Maori.

Various use and development activities can impact on landscape, heritage and amenity values. One of the challenges of effectively managing landscape, heritage and amenity values is that it is often hard to define these values.

There may also be a lack of information and awareness of important sites or values. Good information is necessary to define sites, areas or values, and advice and assistance to landowners and owners of heritage buildings or structures are required to assist in the protection of these values.

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Landscape
Mouth of the Mimi River. Taranaki has a number of outstanding and regionally significant landscapes. Mount Taranaki, together with the Kaitake and Pouakai ranges, is of national and international significance.

Outstanding landscapes are identified in each district plan.For most areas identified in the New Plymouth District, there have been no significant changes since 1995 that have adversely affected landscape qualities.

While there have been some developments along State Highway 3 in the past five years, these have not had significant adverse effects overall on landscape qualities identified for the Stratford District.

South Taranaki District Council is to undertake a landscape assessment of the district.

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Heritage
The Taranaki region has significant historic heritage resources that provide important links with the past. In summary:

  • A total of 1,345 heritage buildings or structures and 1,774 archaeological sites have been identified.
  • 193 historic heritage sites are protected by the three district councils through their district plans.
  • The New Plymouth District Council has identified 80 Category A heritage buildings which have not been damaged over this period, although a number of Category B and C heritage buildings have been destroyed.
  • Archaeological sites in Taranaki are susceptible to damage from land uses and development and a number have suffered damage from stock, erosion, bulldozing for farm tracks, or in some cases by earthworks for buildings, roads and quarries.

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Amenity Values
Amenity values are those natural and physical qualities and characteristics that contribute to people’s appreciation and enjoyment of the environment.

Taranaki residents place high value on the region’s clean and quiet environment, the scenic, aesthetic and recreational opportunities provided by parks, reserves, farmland, waterways, coastal areas, bush and walkways, a pleasant environment free of nuisance from excessive noise and odour, and attractive development of the built environment.

Over the past five years there has been continued provision, development or upgrading of a number of community recreational and cultural facilities such as events centres, the coastal walkway, public gardens and upgrades of most business districts in the region.

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Case study

Visitors explore the splendour of the gardens.

Vistas Come with History Attached
A major refurbishment at a historic Taranaki property has extended its appeal beyond the attractive gardens and beautiful vistas it has long been known for.

Tupare, on Mangorei Road at New Plymouth’s outskirts, now offers an authentic taste of life in the mid 20th century heyday of the two prominent and strong-willed men who shaped the property’s original development.

James Chapman-Taylor, the renowned ‘arts and crafts’ architect, designed Tupare’s stylish house for businessman Sir Russell Matthews in 1932. Unusually for the architect, though, he relinquished control of its construction to Matthews, who had firm ideas about what he wanted.

The result was a unique stately home with the unmistakeable Chapman-Taylor stamp but also reflecting the dreams and aspirations of the innovative Matthews, whose accomplishments included laying the first bitumen road in New Zealand.

Changes crept in over the ensuing years and now the property is owned and administered by the Taranaki Regional Council, which launched a renovation project in 2007 as it implemented a new management plan.

“We’ve taken out some of the later influences that have impacted on the house over the years,” the Council’s Regional Gardens Manager Greg Rine. “Visitors can now get an authentic insight into the work of James Chapman-Taylor, the vision of Sir Russell Matthews, and the lifestyles of their era. It really cements Tupare as a cultural and historical attraction.

“They can get a feel for what life was like for the Matthews family back in the 1950s. This is certainly adding depth and character to the functions that the house is hired for.”

The work on the house was part of a wider project at Tupare, which included major restoration work in the hillside property’s landscaped garden containing majestic trees, a water feature and extensive plantings in different settings.

The cottage is now the interpretation centre for the property and a gathering point for garden workshops.

The project also included a new car park and gatehouse, new paths and lookouts and a new glasshouse.

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