1 Okowai Road, Aotea, Porirua
74
The two-storey weatherboard house is on Okowai Road in Porirua. Known for its beautiful architecture, and picturesque grounds, it is a popular centre for events and activities.
Built in 1887 for James Gear, the founder of the Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Company and an early pioneer in the export of refrigerated meat. His company was one of Wellington’s largest employers.
The house, with its expansive gardens and well-preserved Victorian features, represents Gear’s high status in society at the time.
In 1975, Porirua City Council purchased the house for use as a community arts centre. Now a Category 2 Historic Place, it is available as a function venue.
The house was the main location in Peter Jackson’s 1988 film, ‘Bad Taste’.
| Jurisdiction | Porirua City Council |
|---|---|
| Permits required | Contact Screen Wellington |
| Location descriptors | Historic, houses, mansions, Victorian, wooden, event spaces, homesteads. |
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