Purnell House

Whanganui, New Zealand, Sept 2012: From the little I know, Purnell House was originally the accomodation ward for the nearby Wanganui Highschool. Today I’m not sure of it’s use, though it does seem to be semi occupied and has definately seen better days.

Awatuna

South Taranaki, NZ, Aug 2012: Awatuna Dairy Factory- one of many that dot the Taranaki landscape. Before the advent of the milk tanker and the colossal Fonterra factory near Hawera, Whareroa, these milk factories were the lifeline of Taranaki dairy farmers. Spaced at roughly five miles apart, they allowed local farmers easy delivery of milk […]

Turuturumōkai

Hawera, Taranaki, NZ June 2012: Turuturumokai is a former Maori pā (fortifified village) situated just outside the South Taranaki town of Hawera. Originally there were three pā linked together with a population of around 400 people. In the 16th century there was an attack on Turuturu Mokai by a neighbouring pa. They failed with grave consequences, […]

Ballance

Miramar, Wellington, New Zealand, Nov 2011: Fort Ballance was a coastal artillery battery constructed in the mid 1880’s to defend Wellington from a naval attack. In the aftermath of the Crimean War- there was a real fear (the “Russian Scare”) that New Zealand might come under a naval attack from Russia, or another hostile power… […]

Beaufort

Beaufort Castle, Lebanon, November 2005: The Crusader fortress of Beaufort Castle- constructed in the 12th century- has been the focus for countless battles and the home of many occupiers over the centuries… Beaufort (French for “beautiful fortress”) sits atop a 300 meter cliff which declines steeply to the Litani River. Its commanding location, with views […]

Haus

Foxton, Horowhenua, NZ, June2012: An abandoned house I noticed while passing through Foxton. It’s seen better days and looks more suited to a horror film set- ie. Hitchcocks infamous 1960 film Psycho.

Carnarvon

Manawatu, New Zealand, June 2012: An abandoned hall that I think was a small country school fifty years or so ago.. The sign says “enter at your own risk”, I don’t know what the risk is- but might have to find out next time I pass by…