Essence of place hereby shaped and distilled by listening to and absorbing over a century of religious and architectural heritage that imbues this Kauri residence in the Waikato heartland. The vision of Saint Mary of the Cross [Sister Mary MacKillop] and the 75 years of occupation by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart has left an indelible imprint that permeates the imagination. The recent construction of the two storied return verandahs which were omitted as a cost saving measure in 1902 pays homage to the design of the original architect, Thomas Mahoney. A new history is duly created in our own shape drawing on the richness of yesterday, for the needs of today, with a view of tomorrow.
Images: Jane Ussher [NZ House & Garden] & Bryan Windeatt