COME AND SEE HISTORY
THE CHRIST CHURCH VISITOR CENTRE OPEN DAY…COME AND SEE HISTORY
NZ history is to be taught in all NZ schools and kura, and this Visitor Centre is the place where some of that history can be displayed.
This new building provides for a place for visitors to gather and to learn more about the church, and the local history it represents, and also to accommodate volunteer guides who can then provide tours of the church and graveyard. It will also provide space for small functions like weddings, and hospitality for visitors. School student visits will be especially encouraged. .
There are some wonderful stories associated with this tiny church, one of the oldest in New Zealand. Te Rauparaha features in some, as does Honiana Te Puni, and Te Whiti O Rongomai, the Hero of Parihaka.
The settlers were a tough breed, and had to be to survive, but they were offered food, shelter and hospitality by the Tangata Whenua, including the whanau of Chief Manihera Matangi, whose father signed te Tiriti O Waitangi. He was a staunch Christian and true friend of the early settlers who, with a number of his descendants, is buried in the churchyard. His family still lives in the Hutt Valley
The Christ Church Taita has set up a trust, The Christ Church Taita Cottage Museum Trust, to provide a Visitor Centre for this heritage taonga, built in 1854 by the first organised group of European settlers to come to NZ, who landed on Pito-One Beach in January 1840
The full cost to establish the completed Visitor Centre is estimated to be $420,000.
So far $350,000 has been raised and spent and the building is up and is now partially complete.
COME AND SEE AND FIND OUT MORE ON SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD FROM NOON-4.30 PM
73 EASTERN HUTT ROAD TAITA LOWER HUTT…FOLLOW THE MOTORWAY SIGNS
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
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?
-
4.6% Second half of November
-
43.6% 1st December
-
17.5% A week before Christmas
-
33.2% Whenever you wish
-
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.