Remembering 1642 and the meeting of two worlds (Part 1)
The first in a series of monthly columns sponsored by The GB Weekly. They will make connections between 1642 (and Tasman’s voyage) and 2012, the 370th anniversary of our country and its people being “put on the map”.
The world in 1642:
In the northern hemisphere 1642 was a time of contrasts. Britain embarked on a crippling Civil War that lasted seven years, while the Netherlands and the multinational Dutch East India Company (acronym “VOC” from its name in Dutch) thrived. Established in 1602 to exploit the spice trade, the VOC had wide-ranging powers and territories from the Persian Gulf to Japan, following skilful dealings that saw it supplant its rivals.
In what would become known as New Zealand, canoe-borne settlers from Polynesia had spent about 400 years coming to terms with a huge new land and its different geography, climate and food resources, both animal and vegetable. By 1642 the still mainly coastal population was increasing, along with horticultural activity, development of fortified pa and cultural expressions such as carving.
Neither world knew about the other. The VOC brought them together.
Feb/March 2012: What’s on?
18 February – 1 April: ‘Wish you were here: Views from Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman National Park’ (Suter Gallery, Bridge Street, Nelson. Cost: Free)
An exhibition of landscape art that revels in the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park and the Golden Bay region, as seen by different generations of artists. It includes works by John Bevan Ford that skillfully combine the 1642 ship drawings in a modern context (illustrated) and a portrait of pioneering New Zealand conservationist and founder of the park, Perrine Moncrieff (1893–1979), by Marjorie Naylor.
7 March, 8pm: Talk - Dr Robin Hodge on Perrine Moncrieff and the creation of Abel Tasman National Park (arranged by the Nelson Institute, Suter Theatre, Suter Gallery. Cost: $5)
Wellington-based historian Dr Robin Hodge’s biography of Moncrieff is awaiting publication. Her illustrated talk will focus on Moncrieff’s role in establishing the Abel Tasman National Park during the Second World War, her other conservation projects, and her role at the Nelson Institute. This talk is linked to the exhibition at the The Suter (see above).
Don’t forget our local permanent attractions at: the Golden Bay Museum, the Tasman Memorial (Ligar Bay), and the TDC Office. More info on the website: www.abeltasman370.com
Penny Griffith
