Association of Critical Heritage Studies Inaugural Conference
Gothenburg, Sweden, June 5-8, 2012
Panel 018:
Theorising current heritage practice: Case studies from Aotearoa New Zealand
Beyond the nature/culture dualism: Managing cultural heritage on “natural” islands in New
Zealand
David Bade, PhD student
Geography, School of Environment, University of Auckland, New Zealand
Heritage scholars and practitioners from around the world have highlighted the way Western
dualistic thinking has led to the “either/or” management of heritage. Places of “nature” –
where “culture” should not be – have been created, leading to detrimental outcomes for
cultural heritage in places considered to be “natural” (such as a nature reserve) or becoming
“natural” (through ecological restoration). This paper argues for a re-theorisation of “nature”
and “culture” in heritage theory and practice to go beyond the nature/culture dualism. Using
specific examples from Rangitoto Island and Motutapu Island (Hauraki Gulf, close to
Auckland), which are both subject to ecological restoration programmes, the paper asks how
natural heritage and cultural heritage conservation can co-exist. What are the best ways to
conceptualise natural and cultural heritage? The two main approaches to this question in
heritage management – modern dualistic perspectives (nature as separate from culture) and
postmodernist constructionist perspectives (nature as culture) – are discussed and critiqued,
and a new non-modern approach is put forward.