Founders members just love an opportunity to explore historical properties connected to the 1800s, when their ancestors were coming into New Zealand to start their new lives.
The venue chosen for Hawke’s Bay Founders’ end-of-year luncheon and Christmas afternoon tea provided an excellent opportunity for the members to learn of just such a history. Their destination for the day was the homestead of ‘Chapelwick’ at Porangahau on the coast of central Hawkes Bay.
Chapelwick homestead is a grand two-storey home sited on the old Porangahau station which was first established in 1854 and run by the family of George Hunter senior. He emigrated from England in 1839. Chapelwick presently operates as a luxury bed and breakfast and function centre and is ideally suited for this purpose, with its large house sited in extensive and attractive grounds, replete with an historical chapel. Sandra and Pat, and Sandra’s sister, Deborah are hosts.
The present-day homestead was built in 1920 to replace the original home which was lost to fire, an all too common occurrence for wooden buildings in early New Zealand.
The Hunter family who settled at Porangahau were indeed early immigrants to New Zealand. George Hunter senior, with his wife, Helen, and their 10 children, left England aboard the Duke of Roxburgh on 3 October 1839 ̶ and arrived at Wellington on 8 February 1840. George Snr was the first Mayor of Wellington and his sons became prominent in farming and in agri-business. The property remained in this family until 1986.
After an initial walk of the grounds and tour of the house, the Founders visitors were treated to a lunch hosted by the owners. Lunch was followed with a talk by the hosts on the history of the property and new Founders members were presented with their certificates by Hawke’s Bay Branch President, Paddy Bayley. The afternoon concluded with traditional fare of Christmas cake, wine and juice before departing this most picturesque venue.
Photos:
Hawke’s Bay Founders members gather at ‘Chapelwick,’ Porangahau, for their end-of-year luncheon and Christmas afternoon tea.
Historic chapel of the pioneering Hunter family ̶ built in the 1870s and now a popular venue for weddings.