2024
Moon garden - A moon garden in the shape of a sickle moon with scented plants is developed at the Halfway House.
2023
Waitangi Day - Bernice Dingwall, head gardener for the Waitangi Treaty Grounds visits the historic Halfway House garden on Waitangi Day.
A Royal Afternoon Tea for the Queen is held on 26 September 2023. Hosted by the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc., this is a community event to commemorate New Zealand's public holiday for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
On Coronation Day, the Heritage Gardeners at the historic Halfway House in Glenside plant a ginkgo biloba tree at the to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III.
“We chose the ginkgo as it is an environmentally resilient tree with a fossil history dating back more than 200 million years,” said Claire Bibby, Heritage Gardener. “It has bright golden leaves in autumn. Some of the earliest records of the ginkgo in New Zealand date back to 1852.”
Invitation to the King - The Heritage Gardeners invite His Majesty King Charles III to visit the garden on his upcoming visit to New Zealand. Sadly the visit to New Zealand is cancelled.
2022
Jubilee Tree - During Heritage Week, His Excellency Dr Richard Davies, husband of the Governor General, plants a rimu tree to commemorate the Queen's Jubilee. Dr Davies, in his speech, says, "For her Platinum Jubilee year, Queen Elizabeth encouraged a global movement to "Plant a tree for the Jubilee" with over 100,000 planted in New Zealand alone. I'm honoured to add to that impressive tally, and to commemorate her 70-year reign."
Dr Davies went on to say "In 1869 Prince Alfred, the Duke of Edinburgh, visited New Zealand as part of the first-ever Royal visit to Aotearoa. Under the watchful eye of the Government House gardener, the Duke planted a tree on the site of the vice-regal residence. The tree was provided by Thomas Drake, who lived nearby the Halfway House. I am here today, over 150 years later, returning the gesture with a rimu for these historic gardens. I'm glad to be joined by others who also have historic connections to this area - very fitting given it is Heritage Week."
Garden "Walks & Talks" are initiated by the Heritage Gardeners as a means of fundraising, along with the sales of heritage plants and seeds.
Fernery - A fernery is established. Johnsonville Garden Group make a generous donation toward the fernery.
2021
In March 2021, Crown Joinery installed a bespoke bench on the verandah of the Halfway House. This is an initiative of the Glenside Progressive Association, funded by a grant from The Trusts Community Foundation.
In late July 2021, the public rooms of the Halfway House are made available for hire at City Council standard venue hire rates. However this is shortlived as on 17 August all of New Zealand moves to Covid-19 Alert Level 4 at 11:59pm. On 31 August 2021, all of New Zealand south of Auckland moves to Alert Level 3 at 11:59pm.
On 24 August 2021 the Heritage Gardeners become an Accredited Award Provider for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, for teaching gardening skills.
In August 2021 the Moths & Butterflies of New Zealand Trust announce in an article in its Spring magazine, that the Heritage Garden at the Halfway House is a certified Butterfly Habitat Garden.
In October 2021, during Heritage Week, the Heritage Gardeners are presented with a plaque by the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust, to commemorate accreditation as a Butterfly Habitat. A houhere tree is planted in commemoration by Marilyn Little (Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust) and Lorna Webb (Heritage Gardener).
2018
Heritage Week is commemorated by hosting World War One The Home Front events at the house for the 100th anniversary of the end of the war. Poetry readings are held on the 24 and 26th October, the Spinners and Knitters host traditional knitting and spinning on Saturday, 27 October. A Peace Celebration is held on Sunday, 28th October, with WWI food provided, a musical history of New Zealand WWI songs by David Dell, and a WWI drama acted by Challenge 2000 youth.
2017
Official opening of the Halfway House.
The historic Halfway House at Glenside is officially opened on Sunday, 29th October 2017, when Deputy Mayor Jill Day and Claire Bibby, President of the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. cut the red ribbon midst applause.
More than 331 people sign the guest book. The Richardson family, who lived in the house from 1944-1956, travel across from Australia for the opening. People travel from Palmerston North, Levin, Waikanae and Masterton, as well as from the wider Wellington area and local suburbs.
People signing the guest book are asked "What brings you here today" and the most popular reason is history, heritage and love of old houses.
Officials present are local MP Greg O'Connor, Deputy Mayor Jill Day, Cnr. Peter Gilberd, Parks manager Myfanwy Enemy, and Park Ranger Matt Robertson.
June 2017
The Trusts Community Foundation support the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. application for a grant to:
Fell and remove three large trees and undertake arbor work on one large tree
Purchase two Victorian style park benches
Construct a Rose Arbour
Make up and and install two large sets of curtains with swags and tails in the Halfway House and purchase Victorian loom lace from United Kingdom for the curtain falls of lace.
2016
Heritage orchard planted on 16 July 2016. Those present include Cnr Helene Ritchie, Cnr Justin Lester, and aspiring Councillors Jill Day and Peter Gilberd.
2015
Heritage Garden Group and Wellington City Council agree Stage 1 of the garden will be developing a heritage orchard.
The archaeological investigation is carried out in May. This investigation helps to inform what features should be protected and where the original vegetable gardens were.
Halfway House Landscape Plan - Second draft released for consultation in May.
Halfway House interior restoration continues.
2014
Historic Reserve status granted
Change of Classification of Reserve
Pursuant to section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977, the Wellington City Council hereby gives notice that:
Following a resolution dated the 28th day of August 2013, the classification of the reserve described in the Second Schedule to this notice is hereby changed from recreation reserve to historic reserve for the purposes specified in section 18 of the Reserves Act 1977.
Second Schedule
Glenside Reserve
Area ha 0.2949
Description Section 1 SO 451944 (part Computer Freehold Register WN574/135).
Dated at Wellington this 11th day of November 2014.
Dr Kevin Lavery, Chief Executive, Wellington City Council.
New Zealand Gazette - 20 November 2014
12014-ln7138
Halfway House Heritage Garden Group established. Later modified to Heritage Gardeners.
Halfway House Landscape Plan - First draft created by award winning landscaper Charles Gordon. The draft is received favourably by the Glenside community and the Garden Group.
Wellington City Council heritage advisor Vanessa Tanner recommends an archaeological investigation is undertaken to better inform the landscape plan.
Halfway House restoration continues.
2013
Halfway House landscape plan discussions commence between Wellington City Council and Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc.
On Wellington Anniversary day, the second Glenside Show is held at the Halfway House.
2012
Restoration of the Halfway House commences under the leadership of Wellington City Council.
On Wellington Anniversary day, the first Glenside Show day is held at the Halfway House.
2011
Glenside residents draft a Halfway House and Garden Trust Deed. In 2013 this is put on hold as it is felt the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. has the mechanism to mange funding.
Wellington City Council Parks and Reserves apply for a funding grant to renovate the house and prevent further deterioration.
2010
1 February 2010 - Historic Places Trust
Ann Neill, General Manager Central Region, NZ Historic Places Trust writes to the Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. thanking the Association for nominating Halfway House for registration. Information provided by the Association has been recorded in the register Database and will be kept a part of the Historic Places Trust records. The Trust advises it was unable to progress the Halfway House nomination for registration due to its current resourcing levels and that the nomination will remain on file in the event circumstances change.
The Trust writes:
“We are particularly interested to note that a house of this age is rare in the Glenside area, which is an important location within the history of the Wellington region.... We are pleased to note the listing of the Halfway House in Wellington City Council's District Plan, and the recent application by the council for an archaeological authority in order to undertake maintenance and remedial works on the house and grounds. NZHPT granted this authority and supports the efforts to conserve and maintain the site, as it is noteworthy for its historical, archaeological and social heritage values.”
27 May 2010 - Memorandum of Understanding
Wellington City Council and Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. sign a Memorandum of Understanding for Glenside Reserves and the Halfway House. The shared objectives are to:
Improve the Reserve ecology
Improve the condition of the riparian zone of streams and waterways within the Reserve
Educate people about the ecology of the reserve
Develop and implement landscape and revegetation plans
Enhance the rural qualities of the Reserve
Protect and enhance the historic sites and areas of historic interest in the Reserve, including the Halfway House
Educate people about the history of the Reserve
Preserve the archaeological elements of the Reserve and Halfway House precinct.
Planting
In winter 2010, the first streamside plantings for the Halfway House garden take place. This is done by Glenside residents, members of the Johnsonville Lions Club, WCC Parks & Reserves, Cnr Ngaire Best and Northern Ward candidate Justin Lester.
Registration of Interest
Wellington City Council invite expressions of interest to lease the Halfway House.
2009
21 January 2009
Glenside residents meet with City Council officers (Wendy Walker, Jenny Rains, Mike Oates) and Cnr. Best to progress restoration of Halfway House. Residents express concern that Council has not implemented the urgent repairs in the draft Conservation Plan of 2004 or taken responsibility for the on-going maintenance of the house. Council agrees to re-visit the urgent repairs in the draft Conservation Plan and to discuss progressing a community garden and orchard at the house.
In the February community newsletter, Glenside residents are encouraged to make submissions to fund the Halfway House restoration during the Council's discussion phase, in preparation for the Long Term Community Council Plan.
18 March 2009
Park Ranger Steven Peters and John Curran of Wellington City Council meet with Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. president Claire Bibby to discuss clearing the grounds in preparation for future planting. The park ranger commits to attending a meeting with Glenside residents to discuss the Council's plan for the first stage of preparing and landscaping the grounds.
22 March 2009 - Historic Walk
Council hosts a historic walk around the Reserves in Glenside. The Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. supports the walk with a heritage flyer and arranges for The Halfway House to be open for visitors to view.
2008
27 August 2008
The Northern Reserves Management Plan paper is presented to Council with the recommendation that the Strategy & Policy Committee agree that funding for the restoration of the Halfway House is included for consideration as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan.
The Northern Reserves Management plan is signed off by Wellington City Council. The Council agree not to change the reserve status for The Halfway House at this time.
2007
November 2007 - Reserve status change
Wellington City Council advise Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. that the part of the Glenside Reserve the Halfway House occupies will be subject to a zone change from recreational reserve to an alternative reserve status under the Northern Reserves Management Plan consultation document. This status will be determined by public submissions. The formal submission process commenced in March 2008 and closes on 2 May 2008.
The Glenside Halfway House is listed on the Wellington District Plan as an historic site.
2005
Reserve status change
Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. write to MP Hon Chris Carter concerned that Wellington City Council may change the recreational reserve status of the Glenside Reserve. This letter was written because in the past, Wellington City Council sub-divided the reserve with a view to selling it and was again looking for opportunities to sell or exchange Council owned properties on reserve land.
In the letter the Assn. states:
"The residents do not wish the status of “reserve” to be revoked from the Wellington City Council reserves known locally as the Glenside Reserves. The residents oppose any sale of land associated with the Glenside Reserves or the sale of the historic Halfway House building on one of the reserves. The residents wish the reserves to remain for recreational use as originally intended."
2004
Glenside Reserve Future Options report
The Glenside Reserve future options report is commissioned by Wellington City Council. The report recommends a Heritage Farm Park or Educational Farm Park on the land.
Glenside Streamcare Group. Vision for Glenside Reserve
The Glenside Streamcare Group prepare their own report, as part of the consultation process to inform the Future Options report. The Streamcare group discuss restoration of stream names, increasing the fish life in the streams, a moth walk, a native bark walk, increasing the birds, and managing the pest plants. They suggested no dogs be allowed in the reserve and discussesd useing heritage sheep to manage the pasture, instead of noisy mowing machines.
Glenside Streamcare Group. Vision for Glenside Reserve. June 2004. Wellington City Council Archives, 00726-0480-75-1701-B Vol 2 (pp 84-96)
Conservation Plan
A Conservation Plan is commissioned for The Halfway House by Wellington City Council. A list of urgent repairs to prevent deterioration is compiled. A recommendation that the advice of a landscape architect experienced in historic landscapes be sought to retain the setting of the house and enhance its heritage values.
Halfway House Johnsonville Conservation Plan. Ian Bowman. July 2004. Wellington City Council Archives, 00726-1041-06-MID246 Vol 1 (pp.6-99).
2003
Open Day
Glenside Progressive Assn. Inc. host a community open day at the house. 700 attend. Council decide that the future use of The Halfway House to be considered as part of the reserve management plan for Glenside Reserve under the Northern Reserves Management Plan.
8 January 2002 - Inspection Report of Halfway House
Spencer Holmes undertook an Inspection Report of House at 246 Middleton Road. House was inspected on 8 January 2002.
The brief is to inspect the building at 246 Middleton Road, Glenside (known as Halfway House) provide a report on its present condition and indicate the works that would be required to bring the building up to a medium level of finish, ensuring that all the works and new installations comply with the appropriate current regulations for community or commercial use. The house is in a poor condition and requires substantial work to make it usable.
Inspection Report of House at 246 Middleton Road. T P Newell, Spencer Holmes Limited. Wellington City Council Archives, 00726-0775-23-23 Vol 1 (p.46-61)
2001 - Community vision
On the evening of Thursday, 23 August 2001, the Glenside community met at the garden centre Herbs Café to discuss the identity and character of Glenside they wanted to save in the face of housing and roading development on Glenside farms.
"It was agreed that Glenside is a special and unique place, characterised by its streams, landforms, history, bird life and green spaces. There was support for Glenside to be retained as green area for recreational users, with strong emphasis on its historical character, the trees, the living streams and rural space. In respect of the Halfway House and reserve land, the community wanted:
- The streams to be kept as living streams, not culverts, straightened or "lost" under buildings and roads."
- The land known as " open space" between the motorway and Middleton Road to made legal reserve.
- The Halfway House to be turned into a community asset, even a museum.
- Access re-established between Glenside Reserve and the land on the other side of the motorway (named Seton Nossiter Park after his death in 1989).
Wellington City Council Archives, 00726-0775-23-23 Vol 1 (pp 74-80)