The judges commented the restoration of the bach had conserved “a unique historic building typology… The community grassroots effort in accomplishing the project is to be praised”.

It took four years to restore the bach and gives visitors a glimpse of bach holidays from the 1930s to the 1960s. Volunteers carried out this labour of love under the guidance of conservation architects and professional builders. It is an enormous honour to have the value of our work internationally recognised.

Bach communities represented the kiwi values of independence and self-reliance. Activities were family oriented, centred on co-operation and fun. As water side land values escalate holiday home developments are replacing these communities. Being so close to Auckland City, the baches on Rangitoto are an ideal place to see a little of our past.

Special thanks to Susan Yoffe and George Farrant and the many volunteers who put hours of their time and effort into the project.

The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation recognizes exemplary efforts by individuals and organizations to restore or conserve structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. 

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture. UNESCO’s programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in Agenda 2030, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.