Earthsea Gallery

These historic wee baches which are considered locally as true icons of the original kiwi bach, were built pre-1950 on Nelson's Boulder Bank, a natural reef of rocks and stones stretching parallel to the waterfront. The baches which have been constructed and added to over the years, of corrugated iron, flattened kerosene tins, timber and driftwood are in varying states of disrepair. Peter has captured this small part of our heritage on canvas as the debate continues as to whether the baches should be demolished in order to return the Boulder Bank to its natural state. 'The Last Bastion' also starts a conversation about the things, we as Kiwis hold close but may lose; the flag, the right to light fire on a beach or live in a bach which cost a few hundred dollars and much love to build but doesn't meet the current building standards.