Top registration for Erskine College

27 August 2009

MEDIA RELEASE

Top registration for Erskine College

Iconic Island Bay landmark Erskine College has received national recognition by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) – given Category I status on its National Register.

The NZHPT Board confirmed the registration when it met on 13 August. Under the Historic Places Act (1993), places with “special or outstanding historical or cultural heritage significance or value” may be accorded the highest ranking of Category I status.

NZHPT Central Region Heritage Advisor Blyss Wagstaff said Erskine College was held in high regard for its historical, educational, religious, social and architectural attributes – having been part of the community and wider Wellington region since 1906. Best known as a former Catholic boarding school for girls it is now in private ownership, with the refurbished chapel used for a range of functions.

“The submissions NZHPT received clearly show there is considerable interest in the community to recognise the heritage values at Erskine College. Given it was a boarding school from 1906 to 1985 there are many people that have had a strong connection with the site, and it is a well-loved function venue and landmark in Island Bay.

“This registration recognises the wider Erskine College site with all of its buildings and setting.”

Ms Wagstaff said registration was an advocacy tool intended to identify and inform people about New Zealand’s historic heritage.

“The public are able to go on the NZHPT website (www.historic.org.nz) and access information about registered sites free of charge. Registration is an important tool in enabling people to understand heritage around them and why particular places are important. More often than not there are some fascinating stories to tell.”
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