HH-11: Stone Kitchen

Location and Zoning Information

Address

69 Horahora Rd, Piarere
(Located at bottom of Karapiro rock range surrounded by established trees in deer paddock)

Current Owner

B & J Watkins

Legal Description

Pt Lot 22 DP 3076, Pt Lot 1 DP 12694 Blk XVI

Zoning

General Rural Zone

Valuation Number

541005400

Google Maps Link

Architecture

Date of Construction

1880s

Materials

Karapiro Stone. Rare example. Stone is very young compared to Hinuera Stone. HNZPT. Quarried on site. Original windows present. A number of additional sheds (currently used for farm machinery storage) attached to stone kitchen.

Architecture/Engineer/Builder

Unknown

Condition

Poor

Original Site Recommendation

HNZPT Ref: 4229. Heritage Advisor, HNZPT.

Current Use

Redundant farm machinery storage shed.

Statement of Significance

(1 Historical) - reflects important or representative aspects of South Waikato history, represents Agricultural Company development of the South Waikato. Land conflict Agricultural Company military camp, transportation point on road to Tirau, Dates from periods of early settlement in South Waikato, early history ca 1880.  (7 Archaeological pre 1900) -   site can be investigated using archaeological methods to obtain information concerning NZ and South Waikato history. (10 Architecture) - is an important example of construction using particular material, Karapiro sandstone. (12 Rarity) - is a rare type of historic place, kitchen and blockhouse.

District Plan Rules

Demolition - DIS.  Protection focus - 1, 7, 10 and 12. Mitigate the effects of demolition by requiring the applicant to provide Historical Building Documentation (HBD) which should include: the structure history, photographic documentation and measurements of the item prior to removal.

Alterations necessary for the primary purpose of improving structural performance, fire safety or physical access – CON -Refer to HH-R2.  Other Additions/Alterations - DIS.  Protection focus - 10 and 12. Effects can be mitigated/remedied through; a) HBD - See mitigating the effects of demolition. b) Design Rules: 1.The overall visual character/shape of the original building should be identifiable. The addition should not dominate the existing building. 2. The following special elements that are associated with the rarity or architectural uniqueness or craftsmanship of the structure should be retained: Elements of the structure that should be retained are those elements associated with its historic use as a rare type of building, i.e. exterior walls, openings, kitchen chimney, and any other elements identified in the Historic Building Documentation.  c) Building Materials Rule: The new work (addition) does not need to be constructed in Karapiro stone.

Repair of the Structure - PER. Refer to HH-R1  Protection focus - 10, 13 and stone. Stone - DIS.  Building Materials Rule: If repair of the building is proposed the materials used for the exterior walls should be similar in type, dimensions and profile as the existing exterior fabric of the building. Design Rule: Repair or replication work should match the existing design and profile of element.

Re-use/Change of Use - PER.  Refer to HH-R1.  Protection focus - 1.

Internal  Changes - PER.

Relocation - DIS. Protection focus - 1, 7 and 10.

Disturbance of the site surface/earthworks - Protection focus - 7. Note: Any place that was associated with human activity prior to 1900 and is able to provide evidence relating to the history of New Zealand is an 'archaeological site' (refer to definition of 'archaeological site' in Section 2 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014). All archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 and approval from Heritage New Zealand must be obtained prior to destroying, damaging or modifying any site. Accordingly, where this site on which a building is located is an 'archaeological site' and the building is to be repaired, added to, relocated or demolished and this involves disturbance to the surface and/or subsurface of the site, approval from Heritage New Zealand is required.

History

Probably used for first coach passengers to Tirau. Associated with Auckland Agricultural Company and Paeroa Station.  Stone skillfully worked from nearby site (apart from weathered chimney). The structure was originally attached to a homestead and was also designed to be used as a blockhouse if needed. Adjacent house burnt in 1920's and replacement joined to kitchen which was then lined. The Armed Constabulary camped at the site for a period of time during the land wars. HNZPT.