Volunteers make Truby King House home

Wellington City Council’s Environment Committee has voted for the recommendation to lease the historic Truby King House to Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ).

Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade-Brown welcomes the decision to award CVNZ the lease of this historic house.

“Truby King will be in good hands having such an established global volunteer organisation looking after it. CVNZ fits perfectly with Wellington’s vision of being a world leading Eco-city. Our volunteer culture and our biodiversity activities make the capital an ideal home for CVNZ.”

Environment Committee Chair, Cr Iona Pannett, says the three-year lease (plus two three-year right of renewals) to CVNZ, to use it as volunteer accommodation, is the best fit for the house.

“Conservation Volunteers New Zealand proposal will ensure that we have a sustainable use for the house. By appointment the public will still be able visit the house and use the Boardroom for community events or seminars. An annual Open Day will still be held with public access to the heritage areas of the house.”

The Council’s Natural Environment Portfolio Leader, Cr Helene Ritchie, says CVNZ leasing Truby King House means it will be well-run and cared for.

“CVNZ’s lease will not impact on the heritage significance and fabric of the house. We are very enthused to hear they are also keen to work in partnership with the Council and Truby King Trust to achieve the goals set out in the Council’s Management Plan for the house and property.”

Conservation Volunteers recruits volunteers from New Zealand, Australia and around the world to join important environmental and wildlife conservation projects.
Andrew Gregg, General Manager for CVNZ, says he’s thrilled Wellington City Council chose CVNZ to lease the house.

“Truby King House is a historically significant house so we plan to ensure it looked after with the care it deserves. First thing we will be doing is recruiting a custodian to look after the house and work on the goals set out in the Council’s management plan.”

Truby King was the founder of the Plunket Society and built the house in 1923. The area was acquired by Council in 1990 and includes the house, gardens and mausoleum.

ENDS

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