Cultural Significance

Awamaru and Garland's Bush, now a reserve, are so linked historically that they have become a merged entity in the public mind. It is the logical conclusion of 100 years of shared history and as a result of recent protests at its proposed removal the house has now become a local cultural icon.

Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value Awamaru is a house of great significance to the town of Masterton and the Wairarapa region as a whole. It is important primarily because of its association with several notable local residents, among them: Arthur Bunny, Masterton's first borough solicitor, who bought the land the house now occupies in 1890 and established the setting of the property as it appears today; Frederick King, a successful building contractor, who built the house in 1904 and lived in it with his family until 1916; William Howard Booth, Carterton mill owner, local body politician, business leader and sporting enthusiast, who bought the house for his mother Euphemia and sister; William King, son of Frederick who renewed the family's direct interest in the house when he became caretaker of the property for Booth from 1935-1945; Frederick Garland, stock and station agent and farmer, who later became the managing director of New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency and then the first managing director of Dalgety New Zealand Ltd. after its merger with the former, and who lived in the house with his wife Dora (whose name appears on the Certificate of Title) from 1945-1970; and Alma Sproat, a local borough councillor (1977-1984).

Physical Significance

Architecturally Awamaru is a remarkable building. It is an unusually fine example of Edwardian Bay Villa, featuring four bay windows. Internally the house has many fine spaces with original features and fittings. Awamaru is probably the finest remaining example of King and Son's domestic work, and is therefore locally relatively unique in terms of construction technology and architecture. Awamaru sits well on a large property, within a setting of native bush and garden.

Detail Of Assessed Criteria

(a) The extent to which the place reflects important or representative aspects of NZ history: To a modest extent this house, through its many different occupants, represents the role of the agricultural service centre in rural New Zealand. (b) The association of the place with events, persons, or ideas of importance in NZ history: The house has been owned or occupied by a number of key local identities who have played a considerable role in the life of Masterton and wider Wairarapa district. The most nationally significant is probably Frederick Garland, who in 1961 oversaw the amalgamation of New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Co. and Dalgety Ltd., which created the biggest rural service company in New Zealand at that time. (c) The potential of the place to provide knowledge of NZ history: As use of this property stretches back to the 19th century it is possible that it might offer up information about the past use of the land. (e) The community association with, or public esteem for, the place: While it is certainly true that the public's appreciation of the house has risen sharply in recent times as a result of the publicity surrounding the proposal to remove it, the house has long been acknowledged as a dwelling of some status in the community. (f) The potential of the place for public education: The house's age and integrity and its associated outbuildings and setting within central Masterton offer a unique opportunity for the public to appreciate domestic living from an earlier era. In the recent past school parties have visited the house. (g) The technical accomplishment or value, or design of the place: This is an unusually fine house. The arrangement of four bay windows, the elegant ogee dome and the sheer variety of decoration and detailing mark this as a house of rare distinction. The house is also beautifully designed, making great use of its marvellous setting and incorporating a verandah and porches as a response to the region's hot summer. (j) The importance of identifying rare types of historic places: Although not rare nationally this house is without a doubt rare in Masterton. There are relatively few houses of any this age and distinction, even within the district, and almost none in the town, that remain on their original site. (k) The extent to which the place forms part of a wider historical cultural complete or historical and cultural landscape: Awamaru is inextricably associated, in the minds of locals, with the remnant bush that surrounds the house. This bush was left intact by successive owners and in the ensuing 100 years the house and its associated setting (trees, grass and stream) have become synonymous. The bush and garden have virtually prevented any other cultural feature to impinge on the setting thereby ensuring that the experience of the complex remains nearly unaffected by progress, despite its proximity to central Masterton. The setting is therefore unique in the town and is seen as such by local people.