Totara Estate

NORTH OTAGO

Client: Completed while employed by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust
Date of Project: 2003 – 2004
Graphic design: Totara Estate Manager

Objective:

• To re-brand the historic site of New Zealand’s first shipment of frozen meat to Britain in terms of marketing and logos.

• To recreate the history using a variety of interpretive mediums including video, audio, and static displays.

• To enhance public understanding and interest in the national significance of the site.

Process:

The Totara redevelopment project became a nationally important event.

The Interpretation concepts involved orientation and on-site panels as well as indoor audio and more 3D visual displays. The new interpretation focused on the flow of visitors around and through the most important part of the site – the Slaughterhouse and carcass shed.

Production:

The slaughterhouse was re-constructed which involved the need for innovative interpretation. Audio of butchers working on the line complete with frosted images and a light sho was produced. Artefacts including implement and model carcasses were used to compliment the sound effects.

A series of calico banners were designed in the carcass shed to tell the story from “meat market” on the other side of the world. (Cali was the material used to wrap the meat)

Three on-site panels interpreted archaeological remains and reconstructed some of the earl histories around the site.