Why is this place significant?

ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (STYLE): Classical Italianate structure with four columns featuring stiff-leaf composite capitals resting on a double plinth with cavetto moulding and supporting four stilted arches with decorated abutments. The entablature is composed of dentils which are below acanthus leaf modillions underneath a pavilion roof-shaped slab. The whole has inlaid hammered lead lettering on four faces below the arches and between the columns, with more lettering on the upper plinth. Canoes rendered by outline in lead feature on both the upper and lower plinths, as does the maker's name. The whole is surmounted by a life sized statue of Mahuta. MODIFICATIONS: In 1984 the statue was removed from its base and holding-down lugs were replaced with bronze bolts and angles, grouted in position and sealed. The cracks were filled with epoxy resin. Lead lettering was replaced and repaired and the plinth was sealed with Aquellux before the statue was replaced and bolted down and the concrete base replastered.

Other Information

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.