Rediscovering Cultural Sustainability in Oamaru

An elderly couple riding a tandem bicycle at the grande parade

Sustainability’s three essential dimensions – environmental, social and economic – are becoming more widely recognised. But a recent trip to the Ōamaru Victorian Heritage Celebrations just reminded me of another important pillar: cultural sustainability.

It all began when we stumbled upon the Dunedin Railway advertisement for a special Victorian Train to Oamaru. It felt like the perfect opportunity to finally visit this famous “New Zealand’s quirkiest town”. The 4.5-hour ride from central Dunedin offered a beautiful mix of landscapes. The sea, wetlands, tunnels and farmland together formed a moving postcard of Aotearoa. By the time we arrived, we were greeted by people dressed as though they had stepped straight out of a Sherlock Holmes film!

Walking down the main street, Oamaru immediately gave off an interesting energy. On one side were familiar modern businesses like Mitre 10, Woolworths and McDonald’s. On the other were hidden gems such as pottery workshops, knitting studios, bakeries and cosy local cafés. Somehow, everything blended into a strange yet refreshing harmony.

What captivated me most were the boutique stores tucked into corners or shaded behind narrow lawns, each with artistically curated displays that reflected the creativity of their shop owners. Unlike polished mass-produced goods, the small handmade items felt intimate and personal. They seemed to whisper little stories of being made in home studios, beside a warm lamp, with the familiar smell of home lingering in the air.

Just as we were taking it all in, a pipe organ band burst into lively Scottish tunes. The crowd cheered. A procession followed, with residents proudly dressed in 19th-century costumes, and even one beautifully dressed lady walking on stilts. Then came the Ordinary Cycle riders - our first time seeing those tall mono-wheel bicycles in real life! After them rolled in vintage cars, trucks and tractors in bright colours, along with a little more smoke than expected. :P

What touched me the most, though, was a lovely elderly couple who rode a tandem bicycle. They had to stop a few times to adjust their balance, or perhaps because of the heat, but I was struck by the patience they had for each other and the ease of their unspoken rapport. It was a true portrait of time-witnessed love.

Watching the parade, it was clear how much the community valued their heritage, and how heritage in turn brings people together. Culture is preserved not only through buildings or objects but also through shared joy, storytelling and celebration. As newcomers in New Zealand, moments like this remind us to appreciate the civilisation we enjoy today and the long journey communities have taken to get here.

This short trip also made me realise that cultural sustainability is just as important as all the other forms we often talk about. As Marcus Garvey once said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” Thank you, Oamaru, for this memorable experience and for the reminder that culture deserves to be cherished and sustained.