Kaka Point, Clutha District, Aotearoa New Zealand
Kaka Point is a small, coastal community of approximately 300 permanent residents, less than a half hour drive southeast of Balclutha. Situated in the unspoilt Caitlins region, Dunedin, Gore, Invercargill and Central Otago are nearby. A steady stream of national and international visitors pass through the area attracted by the ocean, seals, penguins, waterfalls, rivers and the stunning ancient native forest nearby.
Hone Tuwhare Creative Residence
The Hone Tuwhare Charitable Trust’s initial aim was to purchase and restore Hone’s home in Kaka Point as a creative residency. His much-loved crib looks out over the vast ocean and a pristine beach that runs to the mouth of the Clutha River (Mata-au). Hone was very hospitable and loved to share his fire, food, a drink, song and laughter. He also valued his solitude and being able to work undisturbed in the comfortable, peaceful, inspirational place he called home.
Hone’s crib will now provide manaakitanga for writers, artists, craftspeople, musicians, book groups and school groups from throughout Aotearoa. We also welcome international visitors. Hone’s crib is a taonga that Kaka Point, the Otago region and Aotearoa can use and be proud of.
Stage One — Research
In 2014 the Trust completed a Conservation Plan with Burgess Treep Architects and a Feasibility Study with Crowe Horwath. The Conservation Plan can be seen here: Tuwhare Crib Conservation Plan Final Print Issue December 2014 The Feasibility Study Executive Summary can be seen here: The Hone Tuwhare Trust — Feasibility Study — Executive Summary
Stage Two — Purchase & Planning
- Purchase of crib
- Full planning & consultation with Kaka Point locals, local businesses, Clutha District Council officials, Dunedin City Council, Otago Regional Council, Otago University, architects, specialist builders, earthworks contractors and local advisors. Including planning permission and consents.
Stage Three — Development
- Refurbish the crib — an extensive restoration/rebuild of Hone’s home so that it is warm and comfortable for one or two people to stay in, while conserving its heritage values (same floor plan, insulate, rewire, update plumbing/drainage etc and raise kitchen floor by approx 40mm to same height as rest of house). Install wooden double glazed windows. Tile bathroom.
- Recreate art work for walls and restore basic furniture.
- Set up with basics (crockery, pots/pans, sheets/towels) as in a motel.
- Restore Hone’s back studio for use as studio/storage.
- Retain front of section, link to mains sewerage, improve drainage and driveway, install gates.
Stage Four — Establishment of Residency
- Determining structure of residency and level of support
- Forming partnerships with other agencies and institutions
- Organising administration and maintenance of residence
- Celebrating launch of Hone Tuwhare Writers’ Residency