The metropolis of Auckland sits on a vast volcanic field, which comprises over 50 separate volcanoes ranging from several hundred to several thousand years old. This network of volcanic cones provides our city with a unique history, landscape, and spectacular views. Volcanic viewshafts – areas which provide unimpeded views of the volcanic cones – were put in place in the 1970s, to protect this distinctive aspect of our cultural and environmental heritage and landscape. Auckland has around 87 viewshafts, which currently cannot be blocked by the construction of buildings. However, in a recent opinion piece by the New Zealand Herald’s Brian Rudman, which you can read here, it was revealed that developers, aided by the Auckland Council, are trying to override the importance of these viewshafts and decrease their number, in order to allow construction to occur.
We think the viewshafts should be worthy of the same protection as the volcanic cones themselves, as they are an integral aspect of our city’s landscape and history. Let us not take Auckland’s volcanoes and their unique contribution to the visual architecture of Auckland for granted!
Shop our Volcanoes Tea-towels here and our Volcanoes Cushion Covers here.
