WELLINGTON ANNIVERSARY DAY
Wellington Anniversary Day, January 23 next, commemorates the first group of European settlers sponsored by the NZ Company to arrive in NZ, who alighted on Petone Beach from the sailing shop “Aurora”, in January 1840.
The historic Christ Church Taita, built 12 years later by those first settlers, is the oldest church in the Wellington region, and was opened on New Year’s Day in 1854. Those responsible did so in gratitude for a relatively safe passage. They struck up a very positive relationship with the local people of Te Atiawa, who occupied a Pa at Horokiwi, and who fed and sheltered the several hundred new arrivals. That positive relationship continues down to this day. The church’s graveyard is the last resting place Chief of Manihera Matangi, whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and who was a great friend of the settlers. His whanau continue to reside in the Hutt Valley to this day. Current chair of the fundraising committee is Rev. John Daysh, great grandson of one John Daysh, one of the first settlers, who gave the timber for the building
The church has survived flood and fire, and is favoured for weddings, While once on farmland, is now almost surrounded by industrial buildings in Wingate.
It will shortly have a Visitor Centre to expedite visits by members of the Public. This will enable enable visitors, and students of NZ History, to take tours of the building and adjoining graveyard.
Fundraising for the Centre has been under way for several years and Donors include The Lotteries Heritage Fund and Hutt City Council as well as numerous private individuals. Current funds will be sufficient ($250, 000) to make a start, while the Trust responsible is about to sign a formal contract with Yus Homes, builders, of Petone, which will allow for the work to start soon and to be completed progressively as further funds allow.
There is a GiveALittle page for those who may be interested in supporting this important Heritage undertaking.
Contact JOHN TERRIS, VISITOR CENTRE FUNDRAISER, 55 QUEENS GROVE LOWER HUTT TEL 0274440081.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.8% Yes
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14.6% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.8% A week before Christmas
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33% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
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