Landscape
Articles
Scenery preservation 1903-1953
Premier Richard Seddon outlined his vision for 'God's own country' in 1903 as he steered the Scenery Preservation Act through Parliament. This act was an important landmark in preserving New Zealand's natural and historic heritage. Read the full article
Page 1 - Scenery preservation in New Zealand
Premier Richard Seddon outlined his vision for 'God's own country' in 1903 as he steered the Scenery Preservation Act through Parliament. This act was an important landmark in
Page 2 - Scientific origins
European settlers in New Zealand struggled to rework the indigenous
Page 3 - Beautiful New Zealand
Even before systematic colonisation began in 1840, New Zealand had been promoted in British publications as a wild, scenic, romantic wonderland – and a place of
Page 4 - Pressure groups
Between the 1880s and the 1920s local scenery preservation societies and other pressure and interest groups became
Page 5 - The Scenery Preservation Act
Politician Harry Ell was the strongest advocate of scenery preservation in the early 20th century. He raised the issue of legislative protection for the environment in Parliament
Page 7 - Maori and scenic reserves
Initially Māori had mixed feelings about the Scenery Preservation Act. The Member of Parliament for Northern Maori, Hōne Heke Ngāpua, welcomed it as a way to protect tōtara and
Page 8 - New administration
Officially, the Scenery Preservation Commission was disbanded because the government had found that some 'simpler machinery was necessary to more effectively carry out the
Parliament's culture and traditions
Explore Parliament's rich history and its colourful culture and traditions. Read the full article
Page 7 - A public meeting place
New Zealand is one of the few places in the world where the public can walk around the grounds of