We must be crazy!
Written by Simon…….
Taking on another overgrown section to turn into an amazing slice of paradise.
This time however we have the added complexity of a burned out shell of a heritage listed building included.
Luckily in the beginning of my working career I spent seven years working in demolition in Hamilton. In those days heritage was not not held in such high regard and we pulled down many a fine old building. What that experience did give me however was a huge appreciation for how old buildings were constructed. My grandfather was a builder in early Hamilton and a couple of buildings we removed he had constructed so in a strange way it gave me a connection to him.
Standing in a burned out shell of a heritage building is not a first for me, and in a strange way I almost feel comfortable and at home. What is a first is the chance to bring this one back to its former glory rather than finishing the job that the fire started.
At first appearances the insides made me smile, it reminded me of the old adage “This Axe has been in my family for many years, it's only had three new heads and two new handles”. I can quickly see that not much of the original 1920’s building remained, even before the fire.
One thing however that I am passionate about and i will promise to the people of Rocky Bay is that not one scrap of original timber or any heritage item we find will leave the site. As a passionate maker and upcycler even timber that is not fit to go back into the build will be remoulded into items that can be displayed and treasured.
We have been already asked a few times “so you will get contractors in to clear the land?“. To us this concept is so foreign, it's totally absurd to us. The people you will see clearing the weeds and working on the sections will be us.
This way we get to discover firsthand the secrets and heritage that the site has, also we will get to meet the interested people who happen to wander past.
We have simple rules when clearing,
Nothing gets removed that is native
Planting happens every year during April to July
Native plants are always sourced from local stock
We aim always to be onsite in the worst of the worst weather conditions, nothing teaches you more about a site then when you are present during a once in a hundred year storm. Staying on a site from the beginning, when you have no power, water, flushing toilet or internet allows you to really be proud and appreciate on each advancement made. We have a gas stove, a tent and the drive to strive for the day when we can have a hot shower that we have made happen ourselves.
When we were considering taking on this project we asked each other do we really want to do this ?
And using Mel’s amazing skills as a coach the question was quickly answered
What is the best that could happen ?
Well we will bring back to life a true Waiheke iconic property and proudly continue Mel’s pioneer family heritage on the island plus I will get to showcase my skills as a maker and upcycler.
And the worst that could happen ??
It all gets too hard, expensive and controversial within the community
In that case we will put up a tent on the site as it is, enjoy the nature, the beach and create our own family memories and forge a new family legacy.
It’s a win, win in my book, Let’s do it, i'm all in.
Bring on the adventure
Simon