Cattle, a taxi driver and the right of way!

Cattle, a taxi driver and the right of way! - 

 This podcast episode introduces you to another one of the most charming and unexpected aspects of life on our unique South Pacific island. Welcome to Norfolk Island, where cows have the right of way!

One of the biggest surprises for visitors arriving in Norfolk Island is encountering a herd of cattle wandering the roads with no farmer in sight. 

While cattle have freedom to roam, strategically placed cattle stops around the main areas of town prevent them from strolling down the main street or through the local shopping centre!

It has been a traditional right, on Norfolk, for cattle to graze freely anywhere that a pasture has not been fenced off by a property owner. 

So do take care when driving on our roads, as the cows have right of way!

AUDIO>>>Have a listen now to the late Leo Nola  in an interview with the late John Anderson in 2016 as he speaks about his life on Norfolk Island as a taxi driver. 

Norfolk Island's cattle management traditionally followed a distinctive system. Locals could register up to 10 cows under their name for a small fee. Each cow received a coloured registration tag attached to its ear before being set free to roam the island. Of course, owners can also choose to keep their cattle confined to private property if they prefer.

AUDIO>>> Have a listen now to Norfolk Islander, Ruth McCoy as she shares her childhood experience with milking cows.

When you are visiting Norfolk Island, embrace the unique coexistence with free-roaming cattle as being essential to fully enjoying your experience. 

Some Essential Driving Tips for Visitors
> Always stay alert for cows that may suddenly appear on the road as you come around the bend.
> Adhere to the speed limits, designed specifically with wandering cattle in mind.
> When encountering cattle, slow down or stop completely until they move on their way.
> Use High Beams at Night - Essential for spotting dark-coloured cattle on poorly lit rural roads after sunset.

Rather than seeing the cattle as an inconvenience or oddity, consider them another part of what makes this island genuinely special and distinctive.

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Transcript

Cattle, a taxi driver and the right of way! 

Welcome to Episode 30 of the Untold Norfolk Island travel podcast series.

My name is Jodie Williams and as a Norfolk Islander & Churchill Fellow, I am your ‘on island’ podcast host.

>>> Audio: You have just heard a snippet from a band night recording at the South Pacific Hotel captured in 1978:

This podcast episode introduces you to another one of the most charming and unexpected aspects of life on our unique South Pacific island. Welcome to Norfolk Island, where cows have the right of way!

One of the biggest surprises for visitors arriving in Norfolk Island is encountering a herd of cattle wandering the roads with no farmer in sight.

While cattle have freedom to roam, strategically placed cattle stops around the main areas of town prevent them from strolling down the main street or through the local shopping centre!

It has been a traditional right, on Norfolk, for cattle to graze freely anywhere that a pasture has not been fenced off by a property owner.

So do take care when driving on our roads, as the cows have right of way!


AUDIO>>>Have a listen now to the late Leo Nola  in an interview with the late John Anderson in 2016 as he speaks about his life on Norfolk Island as a taxi driver.


The cattle industry is one of Norfolk Island's oldest surviving industries, stretching back to 1796. Historical records from this early period quote: "an enclosure for cattle in the centre of the valley and a granary" .

When the Pitcairners arrived in 1856, they were reportedly "alarmed at the number of cattle on the island," having had little experience with them previously.

Interestingly, the commercial cattle industry may have begun as early as 1857, when visiting whalers purchased beef at 3 pence per pound. Captain Denham's journal from September 1857 marvelled at the cattle's excellent condition, noting one that weighed an impressive 1,400 pounds - remarkable for a grass-fed bullock!

The following excerpt from the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area Heritage Management Plan 2015, succinctly summarises and supports the assertion that the cattle industry is an important part of Norfolk Island’s heritage and traditions:
“From the beginning, the Pitcairn customs of sharing were evident in their new settlement on Norfolk. Examples include the establishment of a common store for their food and the designation of common grazing lands at the KAVHA site and elsewhere on the island, indicating the communities’ continued sharing of resources as an important cultural tradition. The free-roaming chickens and cattle appear to be an expression of this custom.”


Norfolk Island's cattle management traditionally followed a distinctive system. Locals could register up to 10 cows under their name for a small fee. Each cow received a coloured registration tag attached to its ear before being set free to roam the island. Of course, owners can also choose to keep their cattle confined to private property if they prefer.

AUDIO>>> Have a listen now to Norfolk Islander, Ruth McCoy as she shares her childhood experience with milking cows.


On Norfolk Island, the philosophy around fencing is completely reversed from what you might expect. It's common knowledge here that you only build fences around your property if you want to keep cows out of your gardens - not to keep them in!

The "cattle grid" (also known as a cattle stop) has become an essential feature of Norfolk Island driveways. Several decades ago it was considered a luxury, but today the distinctive "du-du-du-du" sound as you enter a property is expected. These simple but effective barriers keep the free-roaming cattle from wandering where they shouldn't while allowing free movement for vehicles.

The free-roaming cattle of Norfolk Island represent more than just an agricultural practice.

Cattle contribute significantly to the incomes of many island families, providing both direct financial benefits and food security through meat production.

Cattle-related activities like the twice-yearly muster bring together families and generations, strengthening community bonds and passing down traditions.

>>> Audio: You have just heard another snippet from the band night at the South Pacific Hotel in 1978:

When you are visiting Norfolk Island, embrace the unique coexistence with free-roaming cattle as being essential to fully enjoying your experience.

Rather than seeing the cattle as an inconvenience or oddity, consider them another part of what makes this island genuinely special and distinctive.

So slow down - both literally on the roads and figuratively in your expectations. Allow extra time for your journeys across the island, understanding that a cow crossing might delay you momentarily but also offers an authentic Norfolk experience that few other destinations can match.

Some Essential Driving Tips for Visitors
> Always stay alert for cows that may suddenly appear on the road as you come around the bend.
> Adhere to the speed limits, designed specifically with wandering cattle in mind.
> When encountering cattle, slow down or stop completely until they move on their way.
> Use High Beams at Night - Essential for spotting dark-coloured cattle on poorly lit rural roads after sunset.

And remember - watch where you walk! While enjoying Norfolk Island's beautiful sights, keep one eye on the ground at all times, or you might end up standing in an unexpected "gift" from these locals.

Thanks so much for joining me this week!