My name is Josephine McLean
I own 50 Rahui Rd, Otaki, a property that is affected by the proposed expressway.
I had ordered the title showing ownership by New Zealand Dairy Union of my site. At one time the site
was linked to the corner site and no 52. The creamery was situated on my site and the foundations still
exist as an archeological site. 52 Rahui Rd was subdivided off my site in 1945/7.Two old army huts were
moved onto no 52 and together formed the house .
Searching the old titles shows an extensive array of title changes so there is no point ordering these, as
the house is going to be retained regardless of supporting evidence. It was necessary to research both
50 and 52 to gain the information I have gained. I did not research the Arlington property. The house is a
bungalow and probably built in the 40s/50s.
The little cottage circa 1890s, was originally the manager’s house. This still stands. (see A Dreaver’s
page attached). The house is an anomaly is the area as there is no longer any other property of that
age. This is why it should be retained – it is the one “pointer” left to link old and newer dairy
operations.
The intention is to move the house further back onsite. This decision was reached following a site
appraisal. I have been contacted recently, by Adam Nicholls of Opus, on behalf of the applicant. Adam
discussed an engineer’s report with me, that shows the house can be moved. The intention is to do so
and this will free up land for the expressway purpose.
In my written submission I expressed concern that my house as a part of early Otaki history, although
not architecturally of heritage value, nevertheless as the site of the earlier dairy factory creamery,
should be saved, as the house lived in by the manager still stands and the foundations of the creamery
that are still on site, together assist in giving an idea of what early Otaki was like. Being a neighbour of
the later dairy factory, the two sites should co-exist as testament to an earlier life and times of Otaki.
I intend living at the site in the house which I began restoring in 2008. Weatherboards were in bad
shape owing to years of neglect and these have been replaced, faithfully matching the original.Sash
windows were repaired and a set of French doors was inserted – it is my intention to remove these
however and to reinstate the original old door and sash window to return the house to an original
profile.
I bought the house as I own another “character” house that is a category 2 listed property. I thought I
could make something of the house. I also bought for the site which is semi rural in nature although not
classed as such. It is a quiet rural part of Otaki, known as Racecourse area. There are nice walks and the
sections are mature.
As long as means and method used to move the house on the site are such that every effort is made to
ensure there is no loss or damage to parts of the house, I remain confident the relocation is an
acceptable solution and that there will be no loss of value. A land swap is part of ongoing discussions.
As long as an acceptable means of entry is available to me which I am assured is the case, I accept the
proposal to relocate my house. Discussions regarding this are ongoing as the plans are not yet detailed
in that regard.
I would like confirmation that there will be no devaluation of my property due to the proximity of the
bridge and that there will be no pollution from the expressway and that the aesthetics of the site will
not be overly affected by the bridge overhead which may produce a lack of privacy.
I am sure these issues can be resolved. I have every confidence that the people who have been dealing
fairly and frankly with me to date, will continue to do so. I believe the bridge link to the expressway is
the best solution and therefore I support same.
I accept that my house is to be moved and that I will be compensated for any losses. It has been a relief
to learn I can retain the site and I realize that this is not without some effort on the part of the applicant
and representatives.
I remain
Yours sincerely
Josephine McLean