Guardian of Heritage

Rendell McIntosh can talk a mile a minute about the beauty of Auckland's built history and the value in preserving it. His almost breathless answers to my questions are delivered with such infectious enthusiasm it's clear he's a great fit in his role.

Six years ago Rendell was appointed manager of Alberton, the gracious Mt Albert homestead that is one of only four Historic Places Trust-scheduled buildings in Auckland. He was chosen in particular for his event management experience.

"We have lifted the profile," he says modestly. The house is an increasingly popular venue for weddings, concerts, parties, corporate functions, film location hire and even funerals.

We stage the interview at his favourite corner of the old house: the veranda. "It's so unique, a real architectural reference," says Rendell as he arrives with the tea tray.

Daffodils are blooming in clumps across the lawn, as they did for the original owners almost 150 years ago. "They used to take barrowloads of them down to the market," he says. "So we've planted 400 bulbs over the last three or four years. It's part of restoring the heritage."

Rendell says he feels a strong connection with the house. "I'm from a farming background in the South Island, and Alberton was once a 500-acre farm. The family who lived here was Scottish, like me. It was always a happy gathering place and I've kind of picked up on that hospitality aspect in the events we offer. We're trying to replicate the old days."

Albie, the ginger cat, wanders over from his home next door, as is his wont when there's an event in the gardens. He curls up on the photographer's knee and stays there for the rest of the interview.

Though more than 80 per cent of the household items are original, the table we're sitting at was left behind by a German film crew, which imagined Alberton as a hotel for a recent shoot. The house is a popular location and a mini-festival referencing this connection is now on (see below).

Rendell says he's always had an interest in heritage. "But it was only once I was living in Parnell and realised so many of the old houses were being demolished that I got involved.

"I was doing research for my book on Judges Bay and, looking at the old images, I could see so many buildings had been destroyed along the way."

He joined  other locals in an unsuccessful bid to save two houses on his street from demolition. "That really got me quite upset - that we were losing old properties - and that's when I started the Parnell Historic Society.

"When I came across this side of town I realised Mt Albert didn't have an historical society so I got them under way. A lot of people aren't aware of the history here in Mt Albert. There's probably the best collection of bungalows in the country. They're only 60 to 70 years old but it's important we don't start knocking things down."

Continuing preservation of Alberton means the house can be a living part of the neighbourhood. "There are opportunities for us to help the local community. The Mt Albert Historical Society has its meeting here, and for fundraisers we provide the venue for free."

He believes Alberton is unique in the country. "The middle part is the original farmhouse and then there's the add-on of the balcony."

The half-doors, whose bottom section keeps the animals out and whose windows slide up to let the breeze in, are the only ones of their type in New Zealand. "We've spent half a million dollars repiling, reroofing, repainting and restoring - all through Historic Places Trust Funding."

I ask how  he thinks  Auckland Council is going with protecting the city's heritage. "Only fair. There's still a way to go. There needs to be better protection and better awareness of the old houses.

"Look at Devonport: now it's become a really valuable place to live because the heritage buildings have been saved. I think a lot of New Zealanders don't appreciate the architectural statements that houses make.

"In Auckland there's always been commercial pressure. But you can make old buildings work with a little bit of adjustment ... I think heritage tourism can be critical to the area."

 

FILM FESTIVAL

View music videos, advertisements, television programmes and short films made at Alberton.

Saturday September 10 at 7pm, $20pp includes mulled wine on arrival.

Bookings essential, phone 846 7367.