Building Homes, Digging Wells & Communal Gardens -
Discover how Norfolk Islanders maintained our way of life through resourcefulness and cooperation.
Establishing homes on the island when the Pitcairners arrived, presented immediate challenges. Chief among these was securing a reliable water source, a necessity that shaped the settlement patterns and community development for generations to come.
The digging of wells was a tradition that instilled a deep respect for water resources with many of the original wells on the island now preserved as reminders of the ingenuity and perseverance of the community.
Before the first shovel of earth was turned for a new well, the islanders faced a critical challenge: determining where to dig. With limited technical equipment and no geological surveys, communities turned to the ancient practice of water divining, also known as dowsing, to locate underground water sources.
In Merv Buffett’s “Homegrown” Book, he shares how a well was traditionally dug on the island.
One of the most distinctive features of Norfolk Island's cultural heritage has been its tradition of shared agricultural garden spaces which represented far more than mere food production – they embodied the island's collective spirit and sustainable approach to resource management.
Gardens were strategically positioned to maximize sun exposure and natural drainage while minimizing wind damage. Typically surrounded by banana plantations as windbreaks, these gardens were worked together by families during planting and harvest seasons.
The social fabric of Norfolk Island was woven through daily practices of cooperation and resource sharing that extended far beyond the communal gardens. This tightly-knit community developed sophisticated systems for collaborative food production and distribution that ensured survival while strengthening social bonds across generations.
Fishing expeditions exemplified the island's collaborative spirit. Crews consisting of members from multiple families would set out in boats built through communal labor. Using techniques refined over generations, these fishing parties targeted different species depending on season and weather conditions. The catch would be brought ashore to share with other community members who also helped to process the fish. Distribution often considered family size, participation in the expedition, and special needs within the community.
Special provisions were made for community members experiencing hardship. When illness struck a family, neighbors would automatically increase their share of contributions to communal work while ensuring the affected family received necessary resources. This safety net operated without formal organization, embedded instead in cultural expectations of mutual support.
Living on an isolated island without modern conveniences like refrigeration and electric appliances, the early Norfolk Islanders developed ingenious methods for food preparation and preservation that sustained their community through all seasons. These techniques, often blended influences from Pitcairn Island and Polynesian traditions and created a unique culinary heritage that defined island life.
Understanding that water conservation on Norfolk Island isn't merely an environmental practice but a cultural tradition with deep historical roots will enhance your appreciation of local customs. The island's approach to water represents generations of accumulated wisdom about sustainable living in an isolated environment.
Sponsored by Baunti Tours www.bauntitours.com
> When booking with Baunti Tours, mention 'Podcast' to receive a 10% discount on tours.
email: res@baunti.nlk.nf
phone: (International +6723) 23693
To call from Australia: (02) 91368062
