Oral histories of the Selwyn Waikirikiri River

Abstract

The aim of this summer research project was to collect a series of oral histories exploring how the local non-Māori community observed, interacted with, and valued the Selwyn Waikirikiri River prior to 1990. The results of this study have been presented to the Selwyn Waikirikiri River Working Group (a sub-committee of the Selwyn Waihora Zone Committee). The working group seeks to restore the Selwyn Waikirikiri river to an acceptable, valued state. This research helps to build understanding of how local communities, who often may not view the river through a Māori-cultural lens, have interacted with the river in the past, and what they have valued about it. Previously there have been few oral history projects undertaken regarding rivers in New Zealand. The comments and recollections gathered from the 9 community members who participated in this study are provided here in their original state (as quotations), without significant analysis or interpretation. They highlight some interesting themes, such as the premise that river health is related to the health of social communities. These commentaries provide a general insight into the macro-scale changes that have occurred in both the ecology and function of the Selwyn Waikirikiri river, over the last 100 years. Photos provided by participants help to create a visual record this change. Future research may seek to extend this work, seeking the perspective of a greater number of participants and perhaps focusing on other areas of the Selwyn Waikirikiri catchment. Further exploration of themes emerging from this study may provide additional and valuable detail into the history of the river.