NZHPT Information release
24 March 2010

Work on stabilising Pencarrow Lighthouse has become a real community project thanks to a $20,000 grant from the community foundation for the Wellington region, the Nikau Foundation.

The project, estimated to cost $70,000, has involved reshaping the area around the base of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT)-cared for lighthouse that had been undermined by soil erosion.  Effective drainage has been put in place beneath a circular platform of feature stonework.

Nikau Foundation Manager Brian Burge said the decision to help fund the NZHPT project was a simple one to make. 

“The main purpose of the Nikau Foundation is to improve the greater Wellington region.  We attract gifts, trusts and legacies and invest them in projects that benefit the community.  Included in that is the historical preservation of the region which, sadly, has lost much of its heritage over the years.

“On a personal note Pencarrow Lighthouse holds fond memories for me.  As a child I used to walk out there on family trips, over 50 years ago now.  I do remember having to be carried back on a few occasions, too.”

The Nikau Foundation acts as a conduit for individuals or families that wish to leave financial gifts that will help the community in which they lived.  Mr Burge said the foundation was established so “people give through us, not to us” with a range of community projects receiving grants.

“The Nikau Foundation provides a simple, effective and long-lasting way for people to leave a gift for causes close to their heart and close to home.  In the case of Pencarrow Lighthouse the grant was arranged by Nikau on behalf of the Richard and Doreen Evans Trust.

“We are pleased to be associated with the lighthouse – it is an iconic landmark associated with the Wellington region.  Helping to keep it part of the community for future generations to enjoy is in keeping with the purpose of the foundation.”

NZHPT Heritage Destinations Manager Mike Spedding said work was about 80 percent completed, with a final completion date difficult to judge as the work was dependent on favourable weather.

For more information:

Mike Spedding
Heritage Destinations Manager
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
(w) 04 470 8040
(m) 027 257 2302
(e) mspedding@historic.org.nz