9 April 2014 - The New Zealand Olympic Committee has a new home, and it is one that shares its proud New Zealand history.
The historic Hulme Court at 350 Parnell Road in Auckland was built in 1843, just 53 years before New Zealand became one of the first members of the Olympic movement in 1896.
Notable for its regency-style architecture and beautiful plaster-work, Hulme Court is the oldest occupied residence in Auckland still on its original site. It has housed many important New Zealanders in its 171 year history.
A meticulous restoration project has been undertaken by Hulme Courts current owners, together with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. After two years of painstaking work, the residence is ready for its new occupants.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee will operate from Hulme Court from this Monday (eds. 10 April. New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Kereyn Smith says the organisation is honoured to have secured a new home so rich in New Zealand tradition.
Our Olympic Teams are at the heart of New Zealand sporting and cultural history and we are delighted that our new home also shares a strong New Zealand connection. While Harry Kerr was winning New Zealands first Olympic medal in 1908 in London, Hulme Court was already a landmark property, right here in Parnell.
Smith adds that it has been only been possible for the organisation to take up residence in Hulme Court due to the generosity of the propertys owners who wanted the historic building to continue to play a role in the fabric of New Zealand society.
We are incredibly grateful to the owners for this opportunity to tell the next chapter of New Zealand Olympic history Hulme Court.
We would also like to acknowledge the craftsmen who have contributed to the restoration of Hulme Court. It has been a labour of love and the result is testament to their skill and commitment.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee moves into Hulme Court next week. The new home will meet both the needs of the growing organisation as well as provide shared facilities for sporting organisations and athletes.
We have grown over the last twelve months and our headquarters are now in Auckland, she said. Our new home will meet our needs but also provide us with an opportunity to share meeting and function spaces with athletes and national sporting organisations.
We will also look forward to displaying some of our important memorabilia on site, too.
The move to Hulme Court will result in net savings for the New Zealand Olympic Committee, enabling more funding to go towards ensuring athletes achieve their goals at Olympic and Commonwealth Games.
The New Zealand Olympic Committee is committed to maintaining the special character of Hulme Court. Hulme Court is managed by Goodwin Property Management.
The New Zealand Olympic Committees new address will be:
Olympic HouseHulme Court350 Parnell RoadParnellAuckland 1052.
Phone numbers and the private bag address will remain unchanged.
A formal opening will take place in due course.
Tweet Share