The ports of Otago & Bluff : a geographic comparison and contrast

[摘要] Geography seeks to describe places or areas as entities in themselves as well as in their relations to other places or areas. The complex interaction of Physical and Cultural features combining in varied ways to form dynamic functioning units can be more clearly understood and some clue can be gained as to the causes of differences by arriving at an areal differentiation. The essential geographic character of any place is made more distinctive when it is compared or contrasted with that of any other place.This study in economic geography seeks to describe and in part, account for the character of two ports in the South Island of New Zealand. It is believed that such a comparative account which compares and contrasts the differential character of the ports, thereby gives a fuller understanding of the separate character of each port and its tributary areas, than if the ports are studied separately. Important factors are emphasised when there are contrasts between places, while similarities between them frequently serve to show that they do not necessarily lead to, or are derived from, similar circumstances.Furthermore places do not in fact exist in isolation. They have reciprocal relations with other places and areas. This is undoubtably true of ports wherever they are situated, but especially where adjacent ports such as the Ports of Otago and Bluff serve a common area. There are no insurmountable physical barriers between the ports, and the effects of history, invention, politics, customs and economics are invoked to illustrate how complexes of all or some of these factors have interacted with the physical features of the landscape to give these ports their distinctive present day characters. The economy of New Zealand is directed towards the overseas marketing of a pastoral surplus. This study seeks to show how dependent upon the maintenance of a regular flow of trade are the rural and urban areas of the portion of New Zealand served by these ports. The motto of the Otago Harbour Board, ;;By Ships We Live”, succinctly describes this situation.

[发布机构] University of Otago