.jpg?crc=3935250100 "Greytown Heritage Trust")
.jpg?crc=3959756273 "Greytown Heritage Trust")
WELCOME TO GREYTOWN HERITAGE TRUST
Greytown Heritage Trust is a group of committed volunteers advocating for and preserving the unique history and heritage features – the buildings, trees and streetscape – of Greytown in South Wairarapa; New Zealand's first planned inland town.
The town's renowned historic buildings and trees are protected by council bylaws and the Trust works to uphold these. Greytown Community Heritage Trust was established in 1993 with five founding members and $10 in capital. The new Trust called a public meeting on improving the aesthetics of the town. Founding member Alisoun Werry recalls: “It was the biggest meeting ever ...well, since (traveling television quiz show host) Selwyn Toogood! About 20 people approved, the rest bayed for blood...”
Greytown Heritage Trust members and guests were treated to History with a Twist at the Annual Heritage Address on 31 October. Deftly handling 250 years of Aotearoa New Zealand’s art heritage in 50 year “sweeps” of colourful commentary and fascinating images, Dr Linda Tyler gave an outstanding address.
Plans are already underway for the 2020 Heritage Address, with more Sunday Session events focusing on Greytown heritage happening next year.
To read Linda Tyler’s 2019 Heritage Address, including slides, click here.
Left: Tauherenikau collector of New Zealand craft, Brian Wood with
Linda Tyler.
VIEW THE WALK ONLINE
SIGN WALK SOUTH
SUBMIT A PROPERTY HISTORY
This is a fascinating walking route featuring around 40 properties, developed by the Trust as an ongoing project. Signs give information about the heritage features of each property and there are QR codes on some signs to enable the public to access more information.
THE GREYTOWN
HERITAGE WALK
We are regularly adding more information about selected properties on the Walk:
We are encouraging locals to submit history about their Greytown properties. If you are not a Greytown resident but have information about any of the heritage trail properties, we encourage you to get in touch. Download the form here:
CURRENT CAMPAIGN
South Wairarapa District Council advises that Westwood Develop-ment’s consent application for 68 Main St (formerly Greytown Little Theatre site) has been formally withdrawn. Council planner Lou Brown says they are “expecting a new application when the applicant is ready”.
PLANNING TO RENOVATE YOUR HERITAGE BUILDING?
BENEATH YOUR FEET
Heritage New Zealand has an
excellent guide for property
owners who want to find out what to do if their land is of archeological importance. Read the article Archeology: Layers of history, heritage and belonging here, published with the permission of Heritage New Zealand. Also, go to www.heritage.org.nz to read the publication Applying for an Archaeological Authority.
New Sunday Session
a sweet Success
Greytown’s Heritage Trust held its first
‘Sunday Session’ at the home of Ed and Juliet
Cooke on Sunday 4 August. Despite a chilly
weekend almost 40 people turned up –
some Trust members and many new faces,
to be thoroughly entertained and informed
by popular historian, tramper and artist,
Chris Maclean from Waikanae.
Chris explained his interesting and eventful journey into writing and his love of the beauty of New Zealand. His artistic roots were evidenced in some magical stained-glass windows he has created - some are on show in quite notable buildings in both the North and South islands.
Chris talked about how hard it was initially to publish and promote his own books and how the very strong book sales he experienced were a source of surprise and delight. He praised the support he later received from his publishers in their professionalism and efforts to polish his work. Chris said book publishing today was a difficult business with books mainly being consumed by his peers and mature audiences.
Chris acknowledged the work of the Heritage Trust and said that Greytown was on a good thing – having identified what made it so special and should continue working hard to maintain the town’s historic integrity.
Trust chair Annabelle O’Meara thanked Chris, hosts Ed and Juliet Cooke and the gathering for making the inaugural ‘Sunday session’ such a sweet success.
SOUTH WAIRARAPA DISTRICT COUNCIL'S PLANNING TEAM
The Planning team at South Wairarapa District Council comprises four professionally trained planners. The team includes Godwell Mahowa, Planning Manager, Lou Brown, Planner, Kendyll Harper, Planner and Russell O’Leary, Group Manager Planning and Environment.
The range of duties undertaken within resource management planning for SWDC, the growing district and South Wairarapa's three towns includes:
- District Plan advice,
- Resource consent assessment and decision making,
- RMA matters
- Plan implementation and compliance
- District Plan review and policy work
- Urban growth and spatial planning.
The planners value the ongoing positive liaison and assistance from the Greytown Heritage Trust and the Maori Standing Committee respectively in terms of heritage and planning matters.
Russell O'Leary
Group Manager Planning and Environment