History
Baddeleys Beach and Campbells Beach are the two main beaches in Millon Bay.
Prior to European settlement Millon Bay was predominantly Kauri forest, with other tree species including Tanikaha, Kahikatea, Ponga and Manuka, also present. There is evidence to suggest that Tangatawhenua visited Millon Bay to gather kaimoana including Tuangi, which were misidentified by one of captain cooks crew as 'cockles'.
Early European activities in Millon Bay centred around Kauri logging. Due to their straight trunks and high strength to weight ratio Kauri was a highly prized resource for the manufacture of spars for sailing vessels, as well as for cabinet and joinery timber. The trees were felled and run down the hillsides in excavated races. Once in the bay they were hauled out to the low tide line, (know locally as 'the drop', due to the sudden drop from the gently shelving tidal area into much deeper water), where they were picked up by sailing scows. One of these excavated log races remains today, and the bush is slowly regenerating with a good number of larger Kauri trees present around the headlands.
Prior to European settlement Millon Bay was predominantly Kauri forest, with other tree species including Tanikaha, Kahikatea, Ponga and Manuka, also present. There is evidence to suggest that Tangatawhenua visited Millon Bay to gather kaimoana including Tuangi, which were misidentified by one of captain cooks crew as 'cockles'.
Early European activities in Millon Bay centred around Kauri logging. Due to their straight trunks and high strength to weight ratio Kauri was a highly prized resource for the manufacture of spars for sailing vessels, as well as for cabinet and joinery timber. The trees were felled and run down the hillsides in excavated races. Once in the bay they were hauled out to the low tide line, (know locally as 'the drop', due to the sudden drop from the gently shelving tidal area into much deeper water), where they were picked up by sailing scows. One of these excavated log races remains today, and the bush is slowly regenerating with a good number of larger Kauri trees present around the headlands.
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Once the hillsides had been logged of all the valuable trees
the remainder were cleared to make way for farming. The Campbell and Baddeley
families ran dairy cattle and their churns of milk were delivered to the low
tide line to once again be picked up by sailing scows.
Around 1965 dairy farming in the area was not proving financially viable and the families began to sell land for the building of weekend retreats. The passing of time and introduction of building codes has seen these dwellings change from simple forms of shelter formed from recycled tin and fibrolite, into more modern dwellings. |
Churns of milk were delivered to the low tide line
to once again be picked up by sailing scows. |
Many weekenders have transitioned into permanent residents and the style of housing has changed to reflect that. Many of these buildings reflect the colloquial architectural vernacular, on a larger scale, and with reassigned elements. Corrugated iron, originally and currently used for roofing now makes a comeback as exterior cladding, even extending to bar backs in kitchens and linings for showers. Fibrolite has given way to shadowclad plywood, but the relaxed Kiwi beachside bach flavour has largely been retained. To quote architect Nichola Herbst, “The bach as a cultural icon is intrinsically devoid of pretension.”
Steve Watt - a long time member of the community and keen participant in Bay activities has kindly provided the following reminiscent.
Steve Watt - a long time member of the community and keen participant in Bay activities has kindly provided the following reminiscent.
Photos
