History Of Manson Hut

The place

Historic DOC hut in Kaweka Forest Park (Hawke's Bay), built of split shingles (likely beech) with a malthoid roof, set into the hillside beside Tapahiwhenua Stream. Open fireplace. **Originally erected in 1946-1950 by Les D'Ott and Jack Wire** as accommodation for musterers working for Jack's father Robert (then owner of Ngamatea Station); an earlier Lumsden hut dated from 1906-1920, and the Forest Service built a third nearby in 1972. An example of vernacular architecture using local materials — pioneer heritage. Conservation work carried out in 1995, managed according to a 1994 conservation plan. Free. NZTopo50 map BJ37 (E1881580, N5645072).