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Ruatuna, the boyhood home of Gordon Coates – the first elected New Zealand-born Prime Minister who won the general election 100 years ago next month – will open its gate to the public on Saturday November 22, from 10.30am.
Ruatuna is one of the oldest buildings in the Kaipara and is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Property host Mary Stevens says the centenary is an important moment in the history of New Zealand, Northland and Kaipara, in particular, and will be celebrated in style.
Bands including The North and Ngā Manu will provide live music featuring a blend of English and Māori folk songs, while guided tours of the homestead, garden and farm barns – culminating in a guided walk across the farm to the boatshed – will provide visitors with a rare opportunity to explore the wider Ruatuna grounds.
A local artists’ collective will be at Ruatuna running a fun group activity – a nod to Eva and Mary Coates, both artists whose oil and watercolour paintings are hanging in the house.
“We’re also looking forward to hosting a number of speakers who will talk about their own personal connections to Ruatuna,” Stevens says. “We’re encouraging people to enjoy a picnic on the lawn. It’s going to be a great day of fun and entertainment.”
The Ruatuna homestead is at 441 Tinopai Road, Matakohe. Entry is free, but a donation would be appreciated. Children welcome.
