Key Takeaways:
- The Pongakawa Heritage Centre is in need of funding to complete its project of establishing a permanent home for the history and heritage of Pongakawa.
- The centre has been gifted an old house, Mends House, which will be restored and used as a museum and educational resource.
- The project has received a $249,000 grant from TECT, but needs to raise a matching amount to access the funds.
- The centre is seeking donations, artefacts, and stories from the community to help complete the project.
- The project aims to preserve the history of the school and the district, and to provide a resource for the school and the community.
Introduction to the Pongakawa Heritage Centre
The Pongakawa Heritage Centre is a fledgling organization that is working to establish a permanent home for the history and heritage of Pongakawa. The idea for the centre emerged after the Pongakawa School’s 125th jubilee in 2017, when many of the organizers realized the importance of preserving the area’s history. The centre has been gifted an old house, Mends House, which will be restored and used as a museum and educational resource. However, the centre needs a helping hand to make this vision a reality.
The History of Mends House
Mends House has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. The house was built by George (Bonny) Mends, a successful flax miller who co-owned a flax mill on Wharere Rd. The mill was destroyed by fires that swept through the Pongakawa swamp in 1908, but the house remained standing. Later, it was used as a farm cottage, and it has been largely preserved in its original condition. The house was gifted to the Pongakawa Heritage Charitable Trust, and it is now awaiting restoration and relocation to its permanent home.
The Project’s Progress
Despite the lack of visible progress, the project has been moving forward behind the scenes. The land has been rezoned, and various permits have been sought and approved. The trust has raised $70,000 so far, and TECT has come to the party with a $249,000 grant that will be available when a matching amount is raised. The trust is now seeking donations, artefacts, and stories from the community to help complete the project. The committee is enthusiastic about the project, and they are confident that it will be a valuable resource for the school and the community.
The Vision for the Heritage Centre
The vision for the heritage centre is to create a space that showcases the history and heritage of Pongakawa. The centre will feature a collection of memorabilia, including photographs, old maths and reading books, and uniforms. The committee is also seeking stories and artefacts from the community, particularly from descendants of the original settler families. The centre will also feature a replica classroom from the time the school opened, and one of the rooms may be furnished in the style of its age. The centre will be a resource for the school, and it is hoped that it will also be used by other schools in the area.
The Importance of Community Support
The success of the project depends on community support. The committee is seeking donations, artefacts, and stories from the community, and they are encouraging anyone who can help to get in touch. The project is not just about preserving the history of the school, but also about preserving the history of the district. The committee believes that the centre will be a valuable resource for the community, and they are confident that it will be a success with the right support.
The Next Steps
The next step for the project is to secure the required extra funding to move the house to its permanent home. Once the house is in place, the committee can start to get creative with the project, putting up signs and developing educational programs. The committee is enthusiastic about the project, and they are confident that it will be a valuable resource for the school and the community. With the right support, the Pongakawa Heritage Centre will be a reality, and it will provide a lasting legacy for the community.
