Historic Rangitoto Bach brought back to it's former glory.

Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust officially opens the first restored bach at Rangitoto

An historic bach on Auckland's Rangitoto Island is to be formally opened to the public after three years of being faithfully restored to its former glory.

Bach 38, a bungalow-style bach, has been restored by a dedicated team of volunteers from the Rangitoto Island Historic Conservation Trust (RIHCT). It was built in 1927 for Walter Pooley, the first caretaker on the island and then-owner of the shop and tearooms. The restoration included re-roofing, re wiring, new weatherboards, new sections of floor and ceiling and was designed to include all the original cabinetry and much of the bach's furnishings and décor.

The official ceremony to celebrate the completion of the restoration will be held this Saturday 16 March with officials such as George Farrant, the Auckland City Council Heritage Manager, Historic Places Trust Northern Regional Manager Sherry Reynolds; representatives from the Department of Conservation, the Trust's principal sponsor, AMP Financial Services; the New Zealand National Parks and Conservation Foundation; as well as representatives of the many equipment and material donors and, of course, the volunteers who undertook the restoration.

"The restoration of Bach 38 was made possible thanks to the efforts of our many volunteers," says Elizabeth Andrew from RIHCT. "It's a big event and sets a wonderful precedent because bach communities, which were once so prevalent throughout the country, have now all but gone. The remnants of the communities at Rangitoto Wharf and Islington Bay represent a unique part of New Zealand's social history - of the holidays, community activities and general fellowship that is so fondly remembered by the older generation. And all of that nostalgia is just a short ferry ride from our principal city - Rangitoto really does provide an opportunity to experience a real slice of kiwiana."

Bach 38 was offered to the RIHCT in 2001 by Toni Taylor. Four generations of her family had enjoyed the uniqueness of Rangitoto Island and wanted the bach preserved for future generations of New Zealanders to enjoy. Now, thanks to the generous support of the Department of Conservation and principal sponsor AMP Financial Services, as well as donations of funds, materials and many hours of volunteer labour, the bach has been restored. The bach will now be used as headquarters for the RIHCT as well as serve as an information centre for the Island's bach communities.

Today, the remaining baches on Rangitoto built in the 1920s and 1930s are essentially in the same condition as they were in that era due to a prohibition put on further buildings or renovations from 1937. Then, during the 1970s and 1980s, the majority of baches were demolished as lessees died - until 1990 when the Department of Conservation, at the behest of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, recognised the social and historical significance of the bach communities and placed a moratorium on bach demolition. The RIHCT was formed in 1997 with the purpose of recording the history of these communities and restoring the baches.

RIHCT plans to begin work on the next bach 114 at Islington Bay and has also started work on the prison camp site to allow for interpretation of this unique period in the Island's history.

2005 is the Year of the Built Environment as well as the 50th year of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Sherry Reynolds from the NZHPT will be presenting a Certificate of Merit to RICHT for the work they have done. This also coincides with the Auckland Museum display 'models for living 1905 - 2005'.

For further information, visit www.rangitoto.org or contact Susan Yoffe on (09) 45 1894 or rangitoto@clear.net.nz or Elizabeth Andrew on 025 737 055.