Source: Auckland Council
Two long-standing hospitality venues, at opposite ends of Auckland, will get some help to future-proof through Auckland Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant. The Puhoi Hotel and the Kentish Hotel were among 21 applicants from across the region allocated a share of $530,000 from the grant. Both hotels are scheduled as historic heritage places under the Auckland Unitary Plan.
The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice and encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places. It is focussed on funding projects that benefit historic heritage places and outcomes that are relevant to all of Auckland.
Allocations for this financial year’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant were approved by Auckland Council’s General Manager Planning and Resource Consents, John Duguid.
The Puhoi Hotel complex in Auckland’s north was allocated $50,000 and the Kentish Hotel in Waiuku, in the south, was awarded $48,435.
“It’s essential that historic heritage places are preserved so they can be enjoyed by Aucklanders now, and for years to come,” says Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee.
“These taonga give a window into the past of Tāmaki Makaurau and preserving them is crucial for the region’s identity.
“The Regional Historic Heritage Grant enables these historically significant taonga to be improved and future-proofed.
“This round we allocated funds to 21 applicants from a total of 35 applications. We thank all those who gave their time and effort to apply.”
The Puhoi Hotel pictured in the 1987.
Puhoi Hotel
The Puhoi Hotel was established by John Schollum, a Bohemian migrant who arrived in Puhoi in 1863. The first version of the hotel was built in 1876 and Schollum gained his liquor licence that year. The hotel had accommodation for both patrons and their horses. The current Puhoi Hotel was built in 1901, replacing the earlier 1876 building.
Pūhoi is a small rural town, located in a valley, approximately 43 kilometres north of Auckland city. The town developed near the Pūhoi River (along Pūhoi Road) following the arrival of Bohemian settlers in the 1860s and 1870s.
The hotel is recorded as standing out as a local landmark due to its height and picturesque appearance.
The $50,000 funding will go towards repairing the damaged verandah structure, and repainting the exterior and roof.
Bernie McCallion, owner of the Puhoi Hotel thanked Auckland Council for the funds.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Auckland Council for approving our grant application.
“This funding will make a significant difference in enabling us to bring The Puhoi Pub, Hotel and Stables back to life.
“We appreciate the council’s support and commitment to help the hub of Puhoi be used to its full extent and allowing the verandah to be safe and secure for tourists and the community.
The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku, 1877.
Kentish Hotel
The Kentish Hotel was built in 1852 by Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone, Kent in England. Constable was granted a liquor licence on 10 January 1853. The same licence still continues today and the hotel lays claim to the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand. The hotel’s close relationship to the Waiuku wharf was key to its early success and it is a rare example of a large wooden colonial building. The hotel is associated with notable political figures Sir George Grey, Richard John Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. Māori Kings Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Tāwhiao held meetings there and it was the venue for sittings of the Native Land Court.
The $48,435 will be used for repairing the hotel’s exterior decks and repair and weather-proof the windows.
|
Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2023/2024 recipients |
|
|
Place |
Approved grant allocation ($) |
|
Berrisville Flats, Anzac Ave, Central Auckland |
50,000 |
|
Church of Ascension (former), Point Chevalier |
15,670 |
|
George Courts Department Store (former), Karangahape Rd |
50,000 |
|
Greenhithe School building (former), Greenhithe |
7,931 |
|
Gravestone at St Stephens Church, Parnell |
1,300 |
|
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Silverdale |
50,000 |
|
Kentish Hotel, Waiuku |
48,435 |
|
King’s Theatre (former), Newton |
50,000 |
|
Kohekohe Presbyterian Church (former),Waiuku |
7,000 |
|
Lake House, Takapuna |
13,100 |
|
Mission Hall, Glenfield |
5,490 |
|
New Zealand Guardian Trust, Queen St, Central Auckland |
2,000 |
|
Northcote Point Senior Citizens Association, Northcote |
25,000 |
|
Onehunga Primary School, Onehunga |
28,900 |
|
Puhoi Hotel complex, Puhoi |
50,000 |
|
Railway worker’s residence, Henderson |
8,376 |
|
St Mark’s Church, Remuera |
43,100 |
|
St Sepulchre Church (former), Mt Eden |
10,000 |
|
Takapuna Library (former), Takapuna |
35,000 |
|
Theosophical Society Hall, Queen St, Central Auckland |
25,000 |
|
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse |
3,565 |
Applicants for the Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2024/2025 will open in the second half of 2025. More information will be posted on the Auckland Council website at a later date.
