From ashes to innovation: Te Kiteroa Homestead

Ann and Gary’s story began far from New Zealand. Ann, originally from London, embarked on an international adventure, working in countries like Libya, where she met Gary in 1979. A Waimate native and Aeronautical Telecoms Engineering Expert, Gary’s career took him across Libya, Iraq, Uganda, and beyond. The pair married in 1982, continuing their international life in Malta, Iraq, and 12 years in Singapore, with their daughter Rose joining them along the way.

During a trip home to Waimate to visit Gary’s family, the couple purchased land next to Te Kiteroa Lodge. Eventually, they acquired the historic property itself and in 2007 returned to New Zealand to "retire." But retirement wasn’t on the cards. They ran the lodge as guest accommodation, operated a vineyard and winery under their own label Point Bush Estates, and opened a restaurant and event venue.

Gary also spearheaded the creation of a 95-hectare predator-free eco-sanctuary in 2019, now set up as the Point Bush Ecological Restoration Trust to future proof the property.

In 2021, 100 years after Emily Philips’ passing, Te Kiteroa was tragically lost in a devastating fire. There was a sense of loss for Ann and Gary and the surrounding community. Ann shares “It did take time to recover from the trauma of the loss of the lodge and searching for a replacement with an X factor took time.”

Although the vineyard and restaurant have been disestablished, the pair are busy with the continuous management of the grounds with the cottages, running of the eco-sanctuary such as the maintenance of walking and mountain bike tracks, native tree planting, trapping and volunteer recruitment, and fundraising for the Trust. They now reside in the cottage that was originally built for Emily’s gardener.

Now the couple are looking at the future and the next evolution of the property, with the newly named Te Kiteroa Eco Lodge beginning construction in 2024. The new 512sqm Eco Lodge will be an eHaus which consists of two separate wings – one with four self-contained suites, the other with three. Each wing will have its own separate facilities but with a central connecting hallway that can convert it into a seven-room lodge for larger bookings. The new lodge will be single level, ensuring it is unobtrusive and aligns with the couple’s eco sentiments. It will sit proudly in the same spot as the original homestead and will continue to operate as guest accommodation.

Mike Lowe, Managing Director of eHaus Waitaki says it’s been a pleasure to work alongside Gary and Ann on this project, “We love their passion for innovation, history and the environment. It’s an honour to rebuild Te Kiteroa and be a part of the rich history of Waimate. I’m excited that guests of Te Kiteroa Eco Lodge will have the opportunity to experience the comfort of an eHaus.”

The Eco Lodge is targeting Passive House certification which will ensure it performs incredibly well, keeping guests comfortable while being extremely energy efficient – something Emily Philips “would be envious of, having lived in a time when her grand old Te Kiteroa had open fires in each room to keep the homestead warm.” says Ann. “The eHaus design will ensure an aura of quiet, peaceful and tranquil ambience, with a comfortable temperature throughout.”

Gary and Ann first learned about the Passive House concept and eHaus in July 2023 when they attended a Passive House Open Day in Dunedin, which they felt Emily Philips was sending a strong message to go and visit. Tim Ross, architect from Architype and part of the eHaus designHaus, met the couple at the Open Day and has gone on to design the stunning new Eco Lodge. “We felt [Emily] would identify with the eHaus concept and nudged us along to view the Passive Homes in Dunedin.” says Ann. “We think we found the X Factor through embracing eHaus.”

The new Te Kiteroa Eco Lodge reflects Ann and Gary’s deep commitment to conservation. “eHaus aligns perfectly with our eco-sanctuary and conservation preservation ideology. It felt like placing the last satisfying piece of a jigsaw to put an eHaus guest lodge here.”

Te Kiteroa will be one of New Zealand’s healthiest, comfiest, and highest-performing lodges. “Achieving Passive House certification is the X Factor that we aimed for and promotion of this has interested many who are following the new build, and we hope it will influence others when undertaking their own new build.” says Ann and Gary.

This next chapter for Te Kiteroa honours Emily Phillips’ legacy while advancing the principles of sustainability and innovation. Gary and Ann believe this future-focused project is one that their predecessor would wholly approve of. “The new build will enable us to continue the legacy of the grand old homestead. Replacement of an historic, well-loved building with a new eHaus will be a balm for the community, healing what was a sad loss of a much-loved place.”

Once complete, Te Kiteroa Eco Lodge will continue as guest accommodation. Talking about the guest experience, Gary says “The aim is to create an unforgettable experience of residing in an eHaus environment surrounded by nature with ambience of peace, tranquillity, relaxation and restoration.”

It’s clear that Gary and Ann are deeply committed to honouring Emily’s legacy of community spirit. Through the creation of the eco-sanctuary and the incredible new lodge, they’ve built something truly special for others to enjoy. With a genuine sense of stewardship, they see themselves as custodians of this land and its rich history, pouring their hearts into ensuring its preservation and future betterment for generations to come.