The grand old lady of Waiuku, The Kentish Hotel, has received an Auckland Council Regional Historic Heritage Grant.
The $48,435 grant will be used to repair exterior decks and to repair and weather-proof windows.
Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says The Kentish Hotel was built in 1852 by Edward Constable, who had who emigrated from Maidstone in England’s Kent.
“It’s great to see a building that has been at the heart of community life for well over a century-and-a-half supported by council’s heritage grants.
“I confess I have had a lemonade or two over the years in The Kentish and I’m delighted that a grant will keep such an important building operating into the future.”
Baker says he regularly uses the Kentish, particularly when he’s showing guests around Franklin.
“It’s a perfect stop on any visit to Waiuku. Many of us have been to England and marvelled at how old the pubs are, but in New Zealand terms they don’t come any older than the Kentish.”
The hotel holds the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand, the original licence granted to Constable in 1853 still in operation today.
Baker says the hotel’s location right next to the Waiuku wharf was central to its success.
“It’s a wonderful example of a large wooden colonial building and given the time it’s been operating, who would know what deals and schemes have been hatched in it.”
The hotel has long been associated with political figures Sir George Grey, Richard John Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. Māori Kings Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Tāwhiao both held meetings there, and it was also a venue for Native Land Court sittings.
The Kentish was just one of 21 applicants allocated a share of $530,000 under a grants programme designed to encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places.
Community committee chair Angela Dalton says it’s essential heritage places are preserved so they can be enjoyed for years to come.
“These taonga give a window into our past and preserving them is crucial. Our grants enable these historically significant taonga to be improved and future-proofed.”
The former Kohekohe Presbyterian Church was also awarded $7,000 under the scheme, with other applicants here.
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