Southern Heritage Trust

18/06/2026

On Tuesday, members of the Southern Heritage Trust visited Hogwartz Backpackers originally called Rockmount House which is located within the City Rise Heritage Precinct. This property is for sale.
The architectural period of the house is Victorian (1838-1901). The date of construction in an Italianate Villa style for George Duncan who was the owner and designer was 1871. It then became the Bishop’s Palace and Presbytery. It is a prominent bluestone building which is now a backpackers opposite St Joseph’s Cathedral.

Thank you to Ann Barsby for organising this interesting viewing.

12/06/2026

We have had a request for any help in the following item.
Can some help us with identifying this location, assumed to be Port Chalmers?
Briar will be able to access your comments on here. I have also posted close ups if needed for closer identification.

Message:
Good afternoon, I work at Cordy's Auctions in Auckland and we have a naieve painting here which we thought might depict Port Chalmers in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's quite an interesting work and I wondered if it might be possible to send a photo through and if anyone there may be able to take a look and offer an opinion on the location?

Many thanks in advance, Briar Williams

04/06/2026

Congratulations from Southern Heritage Trust to Speights on their 150th year celebrations. Such a significant achievement and milestone.
What a great way to celebrate and show off this amazing chimney too. It adds to a stunning heritage skyline.

03/06/2026

If anyone knows of someone who has a section and would love a heritage home, this could be the perfect opportunity.

A rare opportunity has emerged to save a late1860s Dunedin house while also opening the way for archaeological investigation beneath it.

26/05/2026

A reminder that our AGM will be held this Wednesday at Dunedin City Library, following this month’s Visions presentation, “The Visual Evidence – discovery of forgotten architecture” by Alison Breese.

Wednesday 27 May
5.30pm: Visions presentation starts
Approx 6:45pm AGM starts
Dunningham Suite, Level 4, Dunedin City Library

Light refreshments will be available. Members and guests are warmly welcome to attend.

Notice of AGM

The Trust’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 27 May at Dunedin City Library, following this month’s Visions presentation.

The Visions presentation, “The Visual Evidence – discovery of forgotten architecture”, will be given by Alison Breese.

Wednesday 27 May, 5.30pm
Dunningham Suite, Level 4, Dunedin City Library
Koha welcome

Light refreshments will be available. Members and guests are warmly welcome to attend.

Visions is a collaboration between Dunedin Public Libraries, Southern Heritage Trust, and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

22/05/2026

18/05/2026

Congratulations to Jo Galer on her inauguration at the Dunedin City Council today. We wish her all the best as she joins the Council table.

17/05/2026

On Saturday, 5 trust members took up the invitation to visit a very grand home in Mosgiel called ‘The Manor.’ It really is a grand home built on vast grounds with space galore. A different experience to the tours we usually do. A lovely experience.

14/05/2026

On behalf of the Southern Heritage Trust, congratulations to Jo Galer, our past Chair of the Trust, on a well run race. We are so proud of Jo’s advocacy for Dunedin heritage and know she will continue to fight the good fight. Congratulations from us all.

Jo Galer has hung on by 89 votes to get a seat on the Dunedin City Council after the final vote count whittled down her lead. She had been 746...

13/05/2026

Notice of AGM

The Trust’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 27 May at Dunedin City Library, following this month’s Visions presentation.

The Visions presentation, “The Visual Evidence – discovery of forgotten architecture”, will be given by Alison Breese.

Wednesday 27 May, 5.30pm
Dunningham Suite, Level 4, Dunedin City Library
Koha welcome

Light refreshments will be available. Members and guests are warmly welcome to attend.

Visions is a collaboration between Dunedin Public Libraries, Southern Heritage Trust, and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.