NZHPT Information release
12 December 2011

One of New Zealand’s oldest buildings will soon be lighting up the countryside.

Te Waimate Mission – a historic building now cared for by the NZ Historic Places Trust – is being decked out with Christmas lights for the festive season, and people are welcome to pack up the kids and drive out at night to enjoy the free light show.

“Te Waimate Mission is a beautiful building, and its Georgian design and symmetry lends itself to being shown off in this way,” says the Manager of Te Waimate Mission, Mita Harris.

“We’re excited about being able to present Te Waimate in a completely different light this Christmas – literally.”

The second oldest building in the country was built in 1832, and served as the heart of the Church Missionary Society’s model farm where missionaries taught European farming techniques to Maori while also spreading the Christian message.

Today the 179-year-old building is open to the public, and thousands of locals and visitors explore it every year.

The age of the building – which was repainted last year – means extra care was needed in the installation of the Christmas lights to ensure the house wasn’t damaged in any way. The lights are held in place through an ingenious system of hooks that ensure they stay in place without causing permanent damage or marking. Similarly, the lights are LEDs as opposed to powered bulbs, minimising the danger of any sparks that might cause trouble.

“As kids, many of us remember seeing Christmas decorations in public places,” says Mita.

“We just want to capture some of that magic at Te Waimate Mission – and encourage people to come and visit this beautiful place during the day.”

The lights will be on between 8pm and midnight through to early New Year.

For more information:

Mita Harris
Property Manager Te Waimate Mission
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
tel: (09) 405 9734