The Preservation Society decided some years ago to establish a centre, to create a visitor destination to host tourists and students and spread the word, and also to offer a display of some of the wonderful stories associated with this extraordinary building, which is a beautiful monument to the courage and persistence of the settlers who built it, and to peace and harmony between peoples.
The Anglican Diocese of Wellington, the Hutt City Council, Heritage NZ, The Lotteries Heritage Fund and a number of Charitable Trusts and private individuals, have all commended this initiative and contributed to the cost of the $370,000 spent to date. Unfortunately, the 30% increase in the price of building materials over the last 3 or 4 years has meant that the cost of the building has exceeded original estimates by close to $100,000.
Please consider BUY-A-BRICK to commemorate your family’s contribution or to acknowledge the passing of a loved one or friend, or to commemorate a club or business. This is an example of what it will look like, set into a path beside the entrance.
If you deposit $250 along with your name in our BNZ ACCOUNT (“CHRIST CHURCH COTTAGE MUSEUM TRUST”) 02-0548-0097223-097, we will contact you for the legend you wish to emboss on your brick. A common legend is “Mary and Joe Doakes and Family”
The Visitor Centre is being financed through a registered Charitable Trust (The Christ Church Cottage Museum Trust CC53974 is the ID for tax purposes) which means that you are entitled to a rebate on the value of your Charitable Donation from the IRD.