The Arahina training centre in Marton served as the national training centre for girl guides between 1946 and 1999. Prior to that it was the home of Alfred and Jean Crooke, who were responsible for the construction of the main house in 1919, and who resided in the house until the early 1940s. The land, first purchased by Jane Duthie Crooke in 1911, was bought by the Girl Guides Association (New Zealand Branch) Incorporated (Girl Guides) in 1946. The area contains a range of facilities used by, or built for, the Girl Guides. The main house, named 'Astolat' by the Crookes and constructed in 1919, dominates the complex. Its importance in the setting is emphasised by an expanse of grass situated at the front, which allows an unimpeded view of the building. The surrounds include a camping ground and campfire circle, an outdoor bush chapel, gardens, accommodation blocks, huts and halls. Arahina is historically and culturally significant for its association with the Girl Guide movement in New Zealand. The Girl Guide movement has had a major impact on the lives of many young New Zealand women. At Arahina, thousands of guides and leaders were trained, and went on to provide leadership to generations of New Zealand girl guides. The area also has aesthetic and architectural value. The homestead is a fine example of the English Domestic Revival style, and is carefully detailed and well handled. The homestead is set among well-kept and carefully laid out gardens and outbuildings that illustrate the importance the NZ Girl Guides placed on outdoor recreation and training.