Mission Statement
The Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation
Trust was incorporated as a Charitable Trust in July 1997.
The Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation
Trust is a Charitable Trust founded in July 1997.
Its Mission Statement is:
To conserve and interpret the historic
Bach Communities on Rangitoto Island
for the benefit of
all New Zealanders.
The Objectives are:
Research and Interpretation: Collect, archive and make accessible to the public, oral histories, photographs, written documents, artifacts and other relevant materials which contribute to the historical record of the Bach's and the Bach Communities.
Preservation and Conservation: The Trust will develop a long-term Conservation Plan for the Bach Communities with due regard to the principles of the Conservation Management Strategy, the Reserves Act, and the meaning and spirit of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Management: The Trust will put in place an appropriate management structure to fulfill its Mission Statement including day-to-day and long term planning and funding.
Membership: Promote general membership and participation in the Trusts activities.
Environment: Promote awareness of the special environment, flora, fauna, and geology of the Island and liaise with like-minded groups.
Milestones and Achievements to date:
Formation of the Trust in July 1997.
Writing of a Business and Development Plan in October 1998.
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Conservation in August 1999.
Received Trust of the Year Award from the New Zealand Trustees Association for 2000.
Publication of a brochure on the Historic Baches using a grant from the Hauraki Gulf Charitable Trust.
Professional documentation of the Bach Communities and development of a research archive including over 50 oral histories and 300 photographs. Supported by grants from the Lottery Grants Board - Heritage
Public display of research material, articles, books and memorabilia celebrating the Bach Communities at Huia Lodge in May 2001 (Extended viewing due to public interest). Another display is planned for North Shore City in November 2001.
Provision of speakers to interest groups and schools, demand for which is increasing.
Sponsorship by the New Zealand Maritime Museum to undertake the restoration of two baches at Islington Bay using their own personnel- the first on is already underway.
The start of restoration of a bach at Rangitoto Wharf by the Trust using Trust volunteers and donated materials - aim to weatherproof the bach by the end of Summer 2001. The Bach was given to the Trust by the Leaseholder for use as its headquarters for further restoration work.
Resolution of conflict between leaseholders and the Department of Conservation and community consensus in support of the Trust's plans for the Bach Communities.
Steady increase in membership that includes the general public and visitors to New Zealand.
Planning currently underway for an inorganic clean up of both Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands in February 2002 - in excess of 35 tonnes of iron and other hazardous waste is to be removed using volunteer labour of which 80% is to be re-cycled.
Immediate Goals 2001 -2005:
Successful completion of the in-organic cleanup in February
2002, 30 tonnes of rubbish including 2.79 tonnes of glass
removed over a two-week period.
Weatherproofing of Bach at Rangitoto Wharf completed and
funding for interior/remainder of exterior applied for with
full restoration completed by Summer 2002. Exterior weatherproofing
completed April 2003. Interior as funding allows.
Development of Interactive Website - initial website available in June 2002 at www.geocities.com/rangitoto_trust. Applications for funding to develop the website further in 2003.
Strategic Planning Session with Heads of Department e.g. DoC, Trustee's and community members to facilitate final planned usage for the bach communities. First meeting held June 2002 - requested to apply for a five year permit.
Up skill Board of Trustees - computer programs for Power Point presentations etc, business planning and funding applications to corporate sponsors etc.
Increased public support and awareness of the Trust activities.
Self Sufficiency usage and maintenance pilot model developed and tested.
Funding for restoration of the remainder of the Bach Communities is investigated with the view to a long-term strategic approach.
Permits required by the Trust to implement business and development plan granted by the Department of Conservation.
Set in motion the Concession process by consulting with the Tangata Whenua with regard to the Treaty of Waitangi and Rangitoto Island.
Long Term Plans 2005 - 2015:
Funding for the restoration of the Bach Communities is in place.
Concession process is completed and concession for the management of the Bach Communities has been granted to the Trust.
Long term self sufficiency usage plan developed and implemented.
Further research and documentation of Rangitoto Island post WW2 and the prison camp.
Creation of a living museum including self guided walks.
Publication of a book on the History of the Rangitoto Bach Communities.
Ongoing website development.
Evaluation process developed and implemented.
Support Required:
Significant long term financial support
In kind advisory assistance for strategy, networking, planning,
promotion and implementation.
