Athenree Homestead on new book cover

My Simple Life in New Zealand, the diary of pioneer Adela Stewart's journey from her Irish homeland to her new life in Athenree, New Zealand, has been reprinted with some new features.
The book, first printed in 1908, has a new colour on the cover which links to Adela's beloved home - Athenree Homestead.
There is also an additional index that relates to every person named in the book.
Barbara McKernon, chair of the Athenree Homestead Trust says using the original heritage colour is a way to brand the Homestead and make it more identifiable.
"With the index anyone unsure of ancestors who came to the house, can find out. The research for the index was done by Christine Clement," she says.
The Trust raised $7000 last year for 1100 copies of the book to be reprinted, with assistance from the Lion Foundation and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.
Other new features include updated photographs - one of Adela's gravesite in the Katikati cemetery, which was recently restored.
Restoration work at the iconic home continues as funds permit.
Visitors enjoying the "homestead experience" for teas and tours is one way of bringing in funds.
"We are becoming famous for our Devonshire cream teas and tours," says Barbara.
She says when it comes to fundraising the Trust likes to involve the community.
The Homestead's annual Mothering Sunday is very popular, and its setting make it ideal for hosting Christmas parties and vintage picnics. Schools also visit to experience what life was like in the past.
The Athenree Homestead Trust is having its AGM on June 26 at 1.30pm.
"Anyone wanting to learn or become involved with the project, we are always looking for more helpers.
"It is only going to get bigger and better - the original vision is a wonderful attraction. We hope to recreate how it was in the 1900s - a busy farm with stables, blacksmith and the Post Office."
In time, it is hoped to include a cafe on site to encourage people to come along and enjoy it. Barbara says the main thrust is the restoration of Adela's kitchen, which has taken a lot longer than anticipated
Athenree Homestead Trust is looking for a project manager to oversee the kitchen project. This involves reinstating the original kitchen and its ancillary rooms, scullery, pantry, dairy, laundry and a bedroom and school room upstairs. The role would ideally suit a newly retired or semi-retired builder. Some knowledge of heritage buildings would be an advantage, but not essential. This could be a paid position as some funds to start the work have been saved in Adela's Pioneer Kitchen Fund.
Anyone interested can contact Barbara or visit the website for contact www.athenreehomestead.org.nz .