21 October 2010

MEDIA RELEASE

Old Dunstan Road gets Trust recognition

One of Otago, and the country’s, most historic roads has been given national recognition by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT).

The Old Dunstan Road, which extends from the Taieri Plain to the Manuherikia Valley and crosses four mountain ranges, played an integral part in the Central Otago gold rushes of the 1860s. Its construction started well before the discovery of the Dunstan goldfields in August 1862, but soon became the main route for prospectors to and from Dunedin.

NZHPT Otago/Southland Area Manager Owen Graham said the section of Old Dunstan Road from Clarks Junction, inland from Dunedin, to Galloway near Alexandra was confirmed by the NZHPT Board meeting on 15 October for a Category I listing on NZHPT’s National Register because it is of outstanding heritage and historic significance. Much of the legal road alignment which has been registered has a close association with the original route and formation.

“It is one of the country’s longest and oldest heritage roads and has remained in a largely original state nearly 150 years after its formation by the earliest pastoralists,” Mr Graham said.

“Historically it was invaluable in the early years of the goldrushes, opening up the interior of Central Otago for gold mining and connecting the hinterland with the thriving settlement of Dunedin and its port. Its length (approximately 120km) is far in excess of any other recognised heritage road in the country, including the 16.5km Skippers Road registered by NZHPT in 2006.

“It is still well used today for farming and local purposes and increasingly tourists are travelling the road to view the dramatic and beautiful natural and historic setting the road passes through.”

To ensure the long-term conservation of Old Dunstan Road, NZHPT has held discussions with the Central Otago District Council and Dunedin City Council seeking to have the landmark added to their respective heritage schedules and urging development of a heritage road management and maintenance plan.

“We would welcome the opportunity to work with the councils on the Plan. NZHPT registration affords no protection to the road, which is why we are keen to discuss with the councils how best to ensure it remains an asset to the region. It really is a heritage site we should all be proud of, while recognising its everyday practical use.

“NZHPT hopes that in co-operation with councils appropriate signage, including interpretation panels for visitors, can be erected at key locations along the Old Dunstan Road,” Mr Graham said.

A copy of the Registration report is available online at www.historic.org.nz.

ends

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