Geography 91240: Changing Perceptions of the Tongariro Volcanic Centre

Vocabulary flashcards defining key terms, historical figures, dates, and changing viewpoints regarding the Tongariro Volcanic Centre from the Geography 91240 exam paper.

Perception

A viewpoint held by individuals or groups about the natural environment, often shaped by their background, experiences, or involvement, and influenced by cultural, economic, or political interaction.

Ngati Tuwharetoa

The local Maori Iwi (tribe) who lived in the Tongariro Volcanic Centre area for over 1,000 years prior to European involvement and believed ancestors tasked them to care for and protect the land.

John Bidwell

The first European to go against the Maori view of seeing the mountains as sacred by climbing Mount Tongariro in 1840.

Te Heu Heu

The Tuwharetoa Chief who experienced grief when John Bidwell climbed Mount Tongariro in 1840.

1800-1900 European Perception

An economic viewpoint where European settlers sought to explore, claim, and develop the Tongariro Volcanic Centre for future settlers, grazing sheep and building railways while remaining largely careless and naive to the environment.

1900-2000 European Perception

A sustainable viewpoint where Europeans realized environmental damage, began valuing the natural landscape, removed livestock, and recognized Maori views of respect, leading to park management and protection.

1857

The year when the first sheep farm and railway were built in the Tongariro Volcanic Centre, grazing sheep on the lower slopes of Mt. Tongariro and providing income and access.

1907

The year the last sheep were removed from the mountain peaks as settlers began understanding Maori views of respect and sustainability for the volcanoes.

1931

The year the first national park administrator and ranger was employed to provide care and protection for the region.

Department of Conservation (DOC)

An organization established in 1987 that began managing and caring for the land in the Tongariro Volcanic Centre.

Trace Elements

Essential soil/pasture nutrients whose absence caused most European farmers to abandon their farms in the Tongariro Volcanic Centre in the early 1900s.