Sexton’s house at risk

Photo: MELISSA CHANDLER

HERITAGE: Barbara Harvey outside the old sexton’s house at Waikumete.

Graveyard buff Barbara Harvey wants to see some TLC put into the historical sexton’s house at Waikumete Cemetery.

The council-owned building dates back to 1886 and has been vacant for several months.

Mrs Harvey, a member of the Friends of Waikumete interest group, fears it will be vandalised or set alight, just like McCormick’s Cottage which was destroyed by arsonists on reserve land at Te Atatu in September 2007 while councillors pondered its fate.

"The house has not been maintained in a historical satisfactory way, it’s unattractive and looks like a giraffe enclosure," Mrs Harvey says.

Council property assets manager Tina Hemsworth says there is no evidence of security problems at the house.

She says the building has an alarm system.

Recent interest from possible tenants has been expressed and the council is considering options.

"A contract is currently out to tender to insulate the house, with work expected to be completed in the next few months," Ms Hemsworth says.

Mrs Harvey says other things also need attention.

"It needs some landscaping and finishing touches to the inside to improve the chances of it being rented," she says.

The Friends of Waikumete organise guided walks through the cemetery and take an interest in the care and maintenance of the building.

Mrs Harvey says members have urged the council to take better care of the building a number of times.

The house has been occupied for most of the past 20 years, bringing in an income that pays for maintenance. The last tenant left in April.

- © Fairfax NZ News