Full steam ahead from Inglewood community

The small Taranaki town of Inglewood has got behind a New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) proposal to recognise the heritage status of their railway station in a big way.

Earlier this year NZHPT assessed the historic significance of the Inglewood Railway Station for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. NZHPT received 24 individual submissions by letter – all in support – including one submission that included a petition with an incredible 735 signatures.

The ‘Class 5’ Inglewood Railway Station, built in 1876, is the oldest on its original site in New Zealand. While it closed in the mid-1990s, it has recently been revitalised through weather-proofing and repainting.

NZHPT Central Region Heritage Advisor Blyss Wagstaff said the weight of community support was staggering.

“The 735-strong petition has unequivocally demonstrated the special place this landmark holds in the hearts of Taranaki people – almost a third of the population of Inglewood has signed it. We also received supporting letters from the New Plymouth District Council Mayor Peter Tennent, Deputy Mayor Alex Matheson, Councillor and Inglewood Community Board member Marie Pearce and local National MP Shane Ardern.

“It sends a message that the Inglewood community, and surrounding districts, love their heritage and want to recognise and protect it. Heritage buildings are not just reminders of our past but a valuable part of a community as it looks to the future.”

Ms Wagstaff said unfortunately some of the contact information provided by petition signees made it impossible to respond in writing to everyone, but NZHPT was “very appreciative of all those who were involved.”

The submissions will be evaluated and recommendations developed for final consideration by the NZHPT Board next month.

ENDS

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