Kiwi can do attitude

Can do attitude is in our Kiwi DNA. We are programmed to DIY, recycle, make do and innovate with very little. Being practical, economical, innovative and ‘handy’ is second nature.

A dip into our heritage collections here at Auckland Libraries has revealed a past studded with gems showcasing our 'make do' approach to things. Enjoy and, who knows, you might even pick up a few tips!

Recycling:

Ref: Photographer unknown, Bert and Margaret at Vaughan homestead, Long Bay, 1927, Local History Online, E0015 

Ref: JT Diamond, Old shed, site of Murdoch's mill, Karekare, 1953, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-05A-01082

Ref: Photographer unknown, Mildura Villa, Grundy's shack , Cornwallis, 1905, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-08A-00539

Building things:

Ref: JT Diamond, Bill Barr's kauri boat, Waitakeres,  1967, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries,JTD-07G-0299 

Ref:  J.T. Diamond, Whare on West Coast Road, Nihotupu, 1906, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, JTD-13M-02158

Logging innovations:

Ref: CH Robinson, Old method of sawing timber, NZ bush, 1907, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19071114-6-3

Ref:  Auckland Weekly News, a locomotive hauling logs to a timber mill, Horehore Bush, 1909, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19091021-15-3

Ref: Piha Tramway, North Piha Beach, 1916, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-04C-00009-1

Moving houses:

Ref:  JT Diamond, New Glen Eden scout and guide den being relocated,  Valley Road, 1958, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-12A-01665-3

Floating houses:

Ref: Photographer unknown, Foote's houseboat at Laingholm, c. 1920s, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-09A-03243

Seems impossible? If anyone can, Kiwis can:

Ref: Joseph Michael Foy, Tramline for the Kakamatua Mill, Cornwallis,  c. 1870s, West Auckland Research Centre, Auckland Libraries, JTD-07C-00435-1

Cooking outside:

Ref: James D Richardson, Cooking in the bush, no date, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-6995

Ref: Auckland Weekly News, Cooking outdoors after the Cheviot earthquake, Christchurch, 1901, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19011205-3-5

Ref: Collis, Cooking food in the boiling springs, Whakarewarewa, 1901, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19011017-5-2