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Historic Inglewood standing proud with help from NPDC heritage fund

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PUBLISHED: 19 JUN 2025
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The makeover of Inglewood’s historic commercial heart for the town’s 150th anniversary is continuing with help from NPDC’s Heritage Building Fund.

Originally built on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets in 1875, Fern Lodge is a two-storey building burned down and was rebuilt in 1905.​

The $30,000 grant from NPDC’s Heritage Building Fund contributed to much needed repairs to the aging weatherboards, window frames and other fixtures as well as repainting the entire outside of the building, said owner Mike Smart.​

“Inglewood is the hub of Taranaki with a lot of people coming in from all directions. The town’s heritage buildings make it a place where people want to stop and visit, and they make it a great place to live. We’re proud of Inglewood’s historic character, so the funding is important to our economy and community identity,” said Mr Smart.​

NPDC District Planning Supervisor Lauren O’Byrne said it was important to protect and celebrate the district’s heritage, especially in a town with as many historic buildings as Inglewood. ​

“Our history is essential to sustaining our district’s prosperity. Looking after our heritage buildings ensures it remains a place where people want to live, work and invest and whānau want to raise their tamariki. The heritage building grants also help local jobs and businesses who do the work,” said Ms O’Byrne.​

The fund also contributed to sprucing up the Railway Hotel, built in 1876 on the corner of Rata and Moa streets, and the Deem and Shearer building, better known now as Caffe Windsor on the corner of Matai and Kelly streets, which dates from 1875.​

Applications to the fund are open until 4 July and building and business owners can apply through the NPDC website: Built, Cultural and Natural Heritage Protection Funds ​

FAST FACTS​

  • Inglewood/Kōhanga Moa was established in 1875 with many of the first European inhabitants coming from Britain, East Prussia (now in Poland), Denmark and Switzerland.​
  • The railway from New Plymouth reached the town in 1876 and its railway station is the oldest in Aotearoa still in its original location.​
  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church, built by Polish immigrants on Standish Street in 1899, received $25,000 towards the cost of repainting the Category A protected building in 2023.​
  • Inglewood Library, one of five NPDC community libraries, celebrated its centenary in 2024.​
  • Inglewood’s historic town hall was built in 1913 and can still be booked for events.​
  • Inglewood has 12 protected heritage structures in the 143 protected structures across New Plymouth District.

Caption: Inglewood’s Fern Lodge.

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Page last updated: 10:06am Thu 19 June 2025

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