17 November 1992 Summer School Promises Feast of Delights on Banks Peninsula

Another summer school based on Banks Peninsula will be held by Lincoln University, building on the success and popularity of schools held in 1991 and 1992.

Co-ordinator Betty Shore of Lincoln's Continuing Education Centre says that Banks Peninsula is a rich resource and it has always offered a wealth of opportunities for interesting and instructive programmes.

"Canterbury people don't need to go beyond their backdoor step for a fascinating slice of New Zealand geology, natural history, economic activity and culture. It's all there on Banks Peninsula – an old volcano and range of geological features; an abundance of interesting flora and fauna; the rich traditions and culture of the tangata whenua; relics and reminders of early European contact and settlement; and the arts, crafts and economic enterprises of modern times.

"Our participants have always been very enthusiastic, bringing in ideas for us to develop, and that's been a great help in developing themes and sessions for each year's school. For example a past participant has offered us a bach at French Farm which we will make use of for two overnight stays.

"As in previous years part of our time will be occupied in structured field trips but there will also be time for informal conversations with people of the peninsula as well as time simply to enjoy and absorb the magnificent landscape."

Dates for the summer school are 18-22 January 1993 and applications are now open.

"The school will be very mobile," says Betty, "our coach will be our base and a lecture theatre ... and our classroom will be the great outdoors."

The programme starts on Monday 18 January with a day devoted to the geology of the peninsula. Among other phenomena, erosion and landslips will be examined and the school will also learn about some of the sources of water for the many springs on the peninsula which are a vital source of life there. "Loess, Landslips and Springs" is the theme for the day.

On Tuesday there are two themes. In the morning it's "Forests and Fish: the life of Lake Wairewa". Local residents will share with the school the story of this sheltered lake and its natural features, the history of the lake's development and the differing cultures brought by the residents. Reforestation of the previously timbered slopes is taking place and summer school participants will plant trees as part of this project.

In the afternoon the theme is "Maori History and Culture" and an overnight stay on Onuku Marae near Akaroa has been arranged for those wishing to have this experience.

Wednesday's topic is the history of the peninsula and the focus is on "One hundred and fifty years of European Settlers in Pigeon Bay." Activities will include a four-wheel drive trip to the top of Brook Shaw to see remnants of the ancient totara stands.

On Thursday the subject is "Native Birds and Animals: coastal, lowland valley and subalpine tops". Participants will be taken through three varied habitats viewing a range of native birds and animals.

On Friday the theme is "Making a living on the peninsula today".

"The unique resources and constraints of the peninsula continue to affect the lives and livelihoods of residents today," says Betty. "New economic enterprises, cultural activities and social networks reflect the interaction of residents as they respond to the 1990s.

"Pursuing this theme, visits will be made to Graeme and Caroline Steans' Vineyard at Kaituna Valley, the Craft Co-operative at Little River, and the Furniture Maker at Barry's Bay."

Resource people and tutors for the summer school are all highly knowledgeable about life on the peninsula. They are David Bell, senior lecturer in engineering geology at Canterbury University; Ray Wright, landscape architect and resident of Little River; Monty Daniels, Upoko Runanga for Wairewa Marae; Henare Robinson, Kaumatua and Upoko Runanga for Onuku Marae; June Hay, descendant of early peninsula settlers and lifelong resident of Pigeon Bay; Kerry-Jane Wilson, lecturer in ecology at Lincoln University; Caroline Steans, tutor, Practical Work Unit, Lincoln University, who with husband Graeme operates a vineyard at Kaituna Valley; Jen Farge, chairperson of Little River Craft Co-operative and Railway Station Trust; and Colin Slade, furniture designer and maker of Barry 's Bay.

As in the past, participants may take part in the school for one or two days – selecting only the topics in which they are particularly interested – or they may join up for the whole week.

For early enrolment or further information contact Betty Shore, Continuing Education Centre, PO Box 84, Lincoln University, Canterbury, or phone (03) 3252-811 and ask for the centre.

Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand.