Raewyn and Rod

Raewyn and Rod are the custodians of the house built by the Hunter Family.

George Hunter, his wife Helen and family of 10, plus a cow, came to New Zealand aboard the ship “Duke of Roxburgh” from Portsmouth.
Their journey took 128 days and the family arrived on the 8th of February 1840, two days after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The cow had died but the piano forte, plough share and other goods arrived safely. Sir George was a respected public figure and Parliamentarian. 

The Hunter Family built the church on the property in the 1870s, importing stained glass windows that date from the 18th century.

The Porangahau Station Homestead was destroyed by fire in 1920. It was rebuilt in the Arts and Crafts Architectural style of the times. The house is informal and unpretentious, but sophisticated in a subtle way. The design suggests handcraftsmanship and sits in harmony with the grounds, swimming pool and tennis court.

Material referenced from “Hunter, a history of an early New Zealand Family” compiled by William Gruar and “New Zealand Houses – The Arts and Crafts” weblog by Deon Swiggs