Local historic house seek $200,000 from council

The Elms, Mission House. Photo/file

Tauranga's historic house, the Elms, is seeking a $200,000 a year "hand-up" from the city council to cover increased costs and the winding up of its cornerstone contributor the Tauranga Charitable Trust.

Elms Foundation chairwoman Norah Reid put the case for a grant during today's hearing of submissions on the council's 2015-125 Long Term Plan.

It comes just a day after the Tauranga Moana Museum Trust asked the council to commit itself to the museum project and grant $100,000 to pay for a project manager and feasibility and economic impact study.

"We are looking funding to keep going," she said.

The trust's submission to the council said The Elms was regarded as the second most historic house site in New Zealand and was a living history of early Tauranga.

Mrs Reid told the Bay of Plenty Times that the Tauranga Charitable Trust would be wound up by the end of July.

"The site is certainly regarded as an irreplaceable icon of our past," she told the council.

The annual grant would cover outgoings and help assist with capital works.

The operation of The Elms relied almost entirely on volunteers, with overheads like rates, insurance and property maintenance the main costs.

There were no payments made to trustees, accountants, guides, consultants and the gardening team.

"However the Elms does have a problem with drainage, electricity and water reticulation due to the age of The Elms."

Mrs Reid said the toilet facilities were under real pressure,with only one male toilet and no urinal.

"It is most embarrassing to see tourists from cruise ships having to wait in a long queue to use the bathroom facilities. Funding is also required for garden watering which is now an urgent necessity, as the gardens have become such a feature."

The council reserved its decision until early next month.