Unearthing garden’s past
Buried beneath the overgrown web of branches roots and leaves that is Kay Wooff’s garden is a story she would like to know.
Mrs Wooff is the new owner of Whare Tane and is trying to document the history of the garden surrounding the distinctive house on Clive Rd in Mt Eden.
The house was built in 1926 by artist Trevor Lloyd.
Mr Lloyd’s 1905 newspaper cartoon depicting an All Blacks’ victory over England is said to be the first to portray the Kiwi as a symbol of the nation.
Mr Lloyd’s daughters were also respected artists and the youngest remained in Whare Tane until she died in 1982.
Both the house and the garden are listed with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, but have fallen into a state of disrepair.
Mrs Wooff has a grant from the Auckland Council’s heritage fund and has enlisted the help of landscape historian John Adam to help with the project.
Mr Adam will try to identify all of the plants and structures that were originally in the garden and come up with a plan for restoration and maintenance.
Mrs Wooff is asking anyone in the community who has visited the garden throughout its life or has photos that could help to come forward.
‘‘It’s very much a public garden. While I’ve been working here so many people stop to take photographs,’’ she says.
Mrs Wooff is also restoring the house and plans to live in it.
‘‘I’ve loved the house forever. I remember walking past it as a child on my way to school and being quite intrigued by it.
‘‘It’s quite an unusual house and everyone tends to know of it,’’ she says.
Email wharetane@gmail.com if you have any information about the garden.
The International Travel College of New Zealand (ITC) has opened a brand new Airport Training Centre at its City Campus. The centre will be the second of its kind in the country, the first having opened at ITC’s Botany Campus in 2009.
ITC, a premium supplier in the airline, airport and travel and tourism industries, won the award for innovation at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
“We know our Airport Training Centre, where we run our Certificate in Aviation, was a real contributing factor in that,” says ITC’s Managing Director Kerry Priestley. “We are always seeking innovative ways to provide our students with real-life experience, and the practical nature of the course, which focuses on careers with an airline, airport or ground-handling agent, means that our graduates ready to work in their chosen fields.”
The facilities are certainly something special – ITC’s huge airport training centres simulate real-world airports, including check in, customs, gate lounges, and even planes where students are trained in all aspects of in-flight service.
“I am learning so much about the travel industry,” student Alison Harris says. “This course is grooming me for a job at the airport.”
“My training at ITC has definitely helped me with my confidence and knowledge of the travel and tourism industry and thanks to them and my hard work, it has all paid off. I am now working with an exciting career as a flight attendant for Emirates.” Lisi Kaihau (2012 Certification in Aviation graduate).
Both ITC’s Botany and City campuses are taking 2013 enrolments now. Find out how you can launch your career in the airline, airport, and travel and tourism industries by phoning the ITC team on 0800 868747 or (09) 373 5510 for more information or text ITC to 884 or check their website www.itc.co.nz.