TAITA VISITOR CENTRE PROGRESS
We are pleased to report that the Building is up and has been closed in.(see pics)
It has been a long hard road but after 7 years, Stage 1 of the project is at last a reality. It’s fair to say that there have been a few people who declared that it couldn’t be done and that has been a spur to our efforts. Our entire Stage 1 budget has now been spent .
Stage 2, the interior of the building has still to be started. We have exhausted all available funds and are looking for volunteers to continue the inside work
We remain hopeful, however that now the exterior is a visible reality, that potential donors will be to assist with Stage 2 will be found. . We have of course been working hard to this end for some months now. Please give if you are able *
We are particularly keen to reach out to those who would be willing and able to help with interior finishing semi-skilled activities like painting, and plastering, as well as trades work such as plumbing and electrical.**
THE STORY OF THE CHRIST CHURCH TAITA AND ITS TREATY LINKS.
The Secondary Schools curriculum has recently been amended to require the study of NZ history. The first group of European settlers brought to NZ under the auspices of the NZ Company arrived on Petone Beach in January 1840. They were made welcome and sheltered and fed by the people of Te Atiawa who had a pa at Horokiwi. The church was built in the early 1850's and a memorial to that event was erected on Petone beach in 1940, this being The Early Settlers Museum, Te Whare Whai Whakaaro O Pito-one)
The story of that generally amicable interaction deserves to be told. The church was nearly destroyed by a major fire in the early 1990's, thought to have been arson, and subsequent necessary security measures have meant it is not accessible to Visitors. The Centre will allow visitors and students of NZ history to undertake guided tours of the Church and Graveyard where lie numerous distinguished individuals, including Chief Manihera Matangi , who was a strong supporter of the settlers and whose father signed the Treaty of Waitangi, and noted NZ Church architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.
The land has been donated by the Anglican Diocese of Wellington. Donors and Sponsors include the Lotteries Commission, the Hutt City Council, The T.G.McCarthy Trust, Pub Charity and a variety of local charitable trusts and generous private individuals.
*If you would care to give, please visit Givealittle.co.nz/the christ church taita visitor centre
**If you are able to help with manual tasks, please contact JOHN DAYSH jddaysh@gmail.com
(ENQUIRIES JOHN TERRIS jterris55@gmail.com)
Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.
Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.
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64% Yes
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33.5% No
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
Unlock the Answer: Today’s Riddle is Trickier Than You Think!
What English word retains the same pronunciation, even after you take away four of its five letters?
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What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.