2019 Redevelopment Supporters

In 2019 a significant maintenance and redevelopment project was carried out at Katherine Mansfield House & Garden. After 30 years of being open to the public, the birthplace of one of New Zealand’s most internationally acclaimed writers received some much-needed maintenance to ensure its preservation into the future. This included a new roof, repairs to exterior weatherboards and new exterior paint, along with the installation of a heating and ventilation system. The Category 1 Historic Place also enjoyed an interior refresh to give visitors a greater insight into the life and work of its most famous former occupant and her family. 

The Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Society worked with Dr William Cottrell, an expert in the furniture and interiors of the colonial period, and used clues from the initial 1980s restoration to further explore the styles that would have appealed to a fashionable colonial family climbing the social ladder. Some incredible pieces of historic furniture were acquired to help illustrate the trends of the late 19th-century.

This project wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of donors including the Lottery Grants Board Environment & Heritage fund, the Stout Trust and the Day Family Trust.

NZ Lottery Grants Board logo
Oroya and Melvin Day Charitable Trust logo

The tradespeople and suppliers we worked with were incredibly skilled and knowledgeable. Many of them also donated time or materials, for which we are very grateful.