The Friends are an active group who have completed many projects: 1. Upstairs gallery: This has been equipped with an art hanging display system, lighting and carpet. The gallery is available for local artists to display their art. 2. Restoration of the Old Stone Shed: The Friends organised the restoration of this historic shed. Used as the first school house in Paihia, this shed is steeped in history. The next stage of the project is to organise a display within the shed that details the historic significance and its many uses. 3. Restoration of the garage: A local resident donated to the Friends $9,000 to restore the garage. The Friends now use the garage as a venue to sell second hand books. This is their main source of funds. The books are sold at bi-monthly book stalls, (first and third Saturdays of each month). The money raised from the book stalls is used to provide facilities for community use in Williams House and books for the Library. The Friends welcome the donation of used books which they will collect. Contact the Garage Book Sale co-ordinator Annette Roberts at [email protected]. 4. Brochure: A brochure has been published explaining the history of the House, gardens and site. The site has direct links with Henry Williams who arrived in Paihia in 1823 to establish an Anglican Mission Station. These brochures are available from the Paihia Library, Paihia i-Site office or at the Williams House garage during book sales. Work is also progressing on a History Trail to complement the brochure. Information on the trail can be found here. 5. A book, PROTECTING PARADISE IN PAIHIA - The Story of Williams House and Gardens by Fiona Craig, was commissioned to record the living memories of those associated with the House and gardens. This has now been published and launch of the book was held in the Williams House grounds on Saturday 13th November, 2010. Copies of the book are available for $35 each. If you wish to obtain a copy, please contact the committee members listed below. 6. Garden: This is an ongoing project for the Friends and the helpers. Three garden seats provided are well used by the many visitors. An interested local has volunteered to look after the vegetable garden and tends this in his own time when convenient. The Friends have regular working bees to look after the flower beds. Any one who would like to join us at working bees or would like to take the ownership of an area of the garden is welcome. 7. The Friends make annual donations to the library to purchase books, puzzles and other items as they are needed. To date $1500 has been made available for books, and monthly we provide $50 for children’s puzzles and games. Anyone who would like to become a member of the Friends is welcome, please contact any of the Friends listed. For more information: Contact Name: Val Cadell Ph: 402 7109 Anne Corbett Ph: 402 7882 Email: [email protected] Postal Address: Friends of the Williams House, Paihia Library Inc, c/o Susan J Thompson, P.O.Box 425, Paihia 0247

In 1967 when The Williams House and grounds (including The Village Green), was sold to the Northland Harbour Board, one of the conditions of sale was the property remain an open space and be declared a reserve. During her life time, the late Mary Temple Williams fought for this condition to be honoured by the council of the day. Mary passed away in 1993. Her nieces, Rosemary Hedge and Susan Williams, along with local, Anne Corbett, took up Mary’s cause. In late April this year the great-great granddaughters of the late Henry Williams, Susan and Rosemary, along with supporters Anne Corbett and Barbara Traviss, travelled to Kaikohe and requested the FNDC honour the condition of sale. It’s taken almost 44 years, however, and to the absolute delight of Rosemary, Susan, Anne and all the Friends of The Williams House, the vote by Councillors was unanimous. The Williams House & Gardens is now an historic reserve. The Village Green remains as a recreation reserve.