Kit/set/tlements: Camps and Hydrotowns in New Zealand 1840–1985

This paper will investigate the settlements associated with hydroelectric power projects in New Zealand between 1925, and 1985. A review of public works settlements will be undertaken to understand the progressive development of these communities, with respect to their urban planning, transportability, sequencing and redeployment on new sites. The paper will also identify the evolution of domestic dwellings from the work camp tent to the project village state house. The case will be made that hydrotowns are ‘kit-sets’ of re-locatable dwelling types and repeating settlement patterns encompassing selective and changing aspects of the camp and the suburb.