Historic Auckland homestead sold overseas in $7.6m deal

The Rocklands Estate includes the Gillies homestead, built in 1886, and a hostel.

The Government of French Polynesia is buying one of Auckland's oldest homesteads.

It says it will use the historic Gillies homestead and the Rocklands Hostel to promote its interests in New Zealand.

The Overseas Investment Office cleared the $7.6 million purchase of the property in Epsom.

French Polynesia sought clearance to buy the .8ha block of park-like land at 187 Gillies Ave, including the homestead and four residential blocks with 169 rooms.

Rocklands, the historic homestead built by Judge Thomas Gillies, has strong links with Auckland's foundations, and was once part of a 3.3ha estate between Owens Ave and Epsom Ave.

The mid-Victorian kauri Italian-style villa with its own ballroom was built in the 1800s, and was later owned by the Auckland Education Board.

For almost 80 years, it was used as accommodation for students at the Auckland Teachers' Training College.

Before that it was known as the Willesden Private Hospital. The homestead has a category B heritage listing with the Auckland City Council and a category 1 listing with the Historic Places Trust.

The French Polynesia application acknowledged the importance of the homestead.

The Overseas Investment Office said: "The Government of French Polynesia proposes to acquire the land for use to host official functions and to establish a presence in New Zealand to encourage ties between French Polynesia and New Zealand. "The accommodation is for French Polynesian students and nationals and their families in need of medical treatment in New Zealand."

The office said the sale would improve New Zealand's links with French Polynesia.