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About the Trust

Ngaio Marsh House and Heritage Trust is a small volunteer-run charitable trust dedicated to :

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  • Restoring and preserving Ngaio Marsh House and Garden and opening it to the public, thereby enriching the national cultural heritage of New Zealand

  • Encouraging an appreciation and study of the literary and dramatic achievements of Dame Ngaio Marsh. 

 Image of former Trust Chairman Colin McLachlin, Ngaio Marsh House & Heritage Trust.

Former Trust Chairman Colin McLachlan was on the committee that raised the funds to purchase Ngaio Marsh House, one of many people who have dedicated their spare time to the House and Dame Ngaio’s story.

After Dame Ngaio’s death in 1982, Ngaio Marsh House was inherited by a cousin and rented out, until a dedicated group of local people set up a fundraising appeal to buy the property. Thanks to the support of the community, including a partial loan from Christchurch City Council, the house was purchased by the newly-formed Ngaio Marsh House and Heritage Trust, and opened to the public in November 1996. 

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A good part of our collections remain in the ownership of Dame Ngaio’s family, and we cannot thank them enough for their continued support, and for allowing us to care for these precious items.

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This  incredible tradition of kaitiakitanga (stewardship) from the local community and from her whanau (family) is part of what makes Ngaio Marsh House so special. 

Trust Board

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Ann McEwan

Chairperson

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Clinton Poole

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Robyn Peers  

Deputy Chairperson

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Cass Flutey

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David Chambers

Strategic Plan, 2023-2028

The Trust has published its Strategic Plan. This document sets out our vision, strategic themes and action plan to ensure we continue to deliver on our kaupapa (vision) that the home, works and memory of Ngaio Marsh are known, enjoyed and appreciated by present and future generations. 

We welcome new volunteers who would like to join us in maintaining and promoting the legacy of Dame Ngaio Marsh. 

Activities you can become involved in include:

cataloguing and archiving the house's unique collection, general housekeeping, gardening (one morning a week throughout the year for weeding, pruning and conversation), tour guiding (you will be trained), and organising and promoting events. 

Volunteer With Us

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Image of a room in the Ngaio Marsh House & Garden, Christchurch NZ

Support the Ngaio Marsh Trust

If you would like to see this Category 1 Historic Place preserved for future generations, please consider supporting us. There are many ways you can help, from volunteering your time, donating or becoming a sponsor. We’d love to hear from you!

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