This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Proposal for Classification report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Built in 1912, Matai Awa is a 13 roomed house designed in the picturesque and eclectic style derived from English Arts and Crafts. It contains some very fine details of stained glass, fret work, ornate ceilings and other interior features. The original owner, William Bassett was a leading business man in Wanganui in the late 1800s.