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Monthly Archives: June 2012

Burnt Place

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Hawera, Taranaki, NZ, June 2012: Another fire gutted building, this time in the town I grew up in, Hawera. The town has seen many major fires over the years, in pre-colonial times and during the early days of “Pakeha” settlement in particular. This led to the building of Hawera’s iconic concrete water tower. The Maori name “Te Hawera” not surprisingly means “the burnt place”…This inferno made the news, because it was the home to the partner of the region’s most wanted fugitive..  I took a photo from the street then had a look round the back. The door was open, so was obliged to have a peek inside…

Bush

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Dublin, Ireland, 2004:  At an Anti-Bush rally in Dublin, anger and frustration was very evident across a broad section of Irish society, with Bush’s upcoming visit and the EU-US summit at Dromoland Castle. A lot of criticism was directed at the Irish government for allowing the US access to Shannon airport for the refueling of US bombers, and the transit of “extraordinary renditioned” Al Qaeda” suspects to Guantanamo Bay.

 

Arson

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Taita, Wellington, NZ, last week:  I’ve noticed a few fire gutted houses around the place recently. Spotted the remains of this place last week. A quick google search (confirmed by google maps), found that police suspect this house had been burgled prior to being set alight….

 

Dorset

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Seatoun, Wellington, October 2011:  Fort Dorset battery was a former coastal artillery station, built to defend the entrance to Wellington Harbour from a possible naval attack. Construction began prior to the First World War- it was occupied and operational through both wars and up untill the mid 1950′s. The adjacent military camp was disbanded in the early 90′s. The remains of these historic structures have not been maintained and have fallen foul to vandalism and graffiti. The former military camp site was used for the set of “Bree” in the first Lord of the Rings film, “The Fellowship of the Ring”. Check out Capital Defence for detailed information on this site-  also check out Simon Burrow’ site (in 2nd to last picture) for more images in and around Wellington.

PTA Pt.1

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Patea, Taranaki, NZ, December 2011:  The Historic former Patea Hospital (c.1880) still stands in it’s dilapidated state, 22 years after its closure. When the hospital finally closed its doors on December the 5th 1990, it had served the Patea District for over century.    Locals have been complaining for years about the eyesore, demanding the owner of the property to demolish the derelict and vandalised buildings.