Historic Ohoka lodge given restoration boost

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Efforts to restore an historic lodge at Ohoka, near Rangiora, have received a boost.

The Waimakariri District Council has agreed to expand the terms of its grant to the Ohoka Domain Advisory Group to allow funds to be used for the restoration of the historic Ohoka Gatekeepers Lodge.

Mayor Dan Gordon said the decision recognised the hard work of the advisory group.

"It is about making sure a significant piece of history for Ohoka is preserved.

"It will be a great resource for the district when it is completed."

Gordon said the advisory group was made up of volunteers who are passionate about the history of the lodge and the Ohoka bush.

The grant was approved for the advisory group as part of the 2021-31 long-term plan for the upkeep of the Ohoka Bush.

An amount of $10,530 was approved for the 2023-24 financial year.

The council accepted ownership of the lodge in 2018 and, at the time, stipulated the advisory group would seek external funding for its upkeep.

"The advisory group has sought external funding for the repairs to the lodge, but they have found it is very difficult at the moment," Gordon said.

"They came to the council with a very reasonable request and the council had no hesitation in supporting it."

Heritage New Zealand recommended in 2019 for the lodge to be listed as a category 2 historic place (local significance).

The original Ohoka lodge was built in the 1870s or 1880s, but was destroyed by fire in 1891.

It was restored soon after as a small, Gothic styled timber building.

The lodge served as the control point to access JS White's Ohoka Estate and was the residence of the gatekeeper/gardener and his family.

The gatekeeper’s role was to manage horse and gig and horse and coach traffic by opening and closing the gate.

The Cust Bowling Club has also approached the council for a grant of $2930 for the installation of a backflow prevention device.

Council staff noted the club is in a unique position of owning its own property, whereas most bowling clubs occupied council-owned land.

As the property owner, the club is responsible for the installation of a backflow prevention device.

Gordon said councillors have asked for more information from staff and will consider the request at the November council meeting.

"We need to consider, if we do this, is there anything we would need to do for other clubs?

"Also, could it be done as an interest-free loan rather than a grant?"

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.