The ‘great task’ for the European settlers of New Zealand was ‘clearing the land’. Forests had to be felled, wetlands had to be drained to create agricultural land and pastures for cattle and sheep.
This tree is Poukani, considered the oldest Totara tree, estimated to be 1800 years old.
Pentax MX, Cinestill 400, May 2024.
Totara podocarpus is an ancient and giant conifer that’s endemic to New Zealand. The Totara was thought of as a ‘chiefly tree’ by the Maori. It grows in just about any type of soil, and its timber is durable, being resistant to rot. Its massive trunks were carved out to create war canoes. The Europeans prized it for building and cut a lot of them down. They are now protected.
Fall in the forest. Pentax MX, Cinestill 400, May 2024.
There is not much flat ground in New Zealand. The cattle and sheep are generally grazed on hills. One result of this is that the hill sides develop contour trails from the feet of the hard hooved animals. These contouring trails appear as narrow terraces, allowing the animals easier access to foraging on the steeper slopes.
Contour trails on hill. Pentax MX, Cinestill 400, May 2024.