The historic Stoney Homestead, situated on the edge of the Orewa River is the now the only reminder that the new suburb of Millwater was once rolling farmland.

An official opening was held on Sunday 11 December to celebrate the restoration of the interior, following on from the external restoration completed in 2013. Heritage architects Jane and Antony Matthews advised on the sensitive reconfiguration of the building to now be a community hub for the developing Millwater community.

Saved from demolition by developers by the outgoing Rodney Council just before becoming part of the supercity, the building is managed jointly by a local trust and the Hibiscus Coast Orewa Local Board.

Robin Stoney, the family’s representative on the trust board, lived in the homestead as a child.

Robin has curated an exhibition of family silver, books and letters for the official opening day, which along with a video and sound presentation of local history by Stoney family members keeps the family connection to the building alive.

For more information on the homestead click here.

Restored outbuilding

Robin Stoney with family letters and accounts

Entrance to Stoney Homestead

View from the Homestead, originally called Seaview, to Orewa.