House

• unknown
• (original plans unavailable)
• 1860 - 1870
• Original construction
• 1991
• Dwelling additions and alterations (00059:461:E22472)
• 1995
• Dwelling alterations (00061:79:12433)
• 2005
• Relocated to new site
• 2010
• Interior alterations to create one new bedroom, new kitchen, and bathroom (00078:3693:212689)

• unknown
• (Only if known – check Heritage Area Spreadsheets PC 48 / Section 32 reports)

Not assessed

This building is a simple vernacular structure built as workers accommodation. It is typical of the period in which it was built, being influenced by the Victorian Georgian style. It is a double gable box cottage with little ornamentation. The porch appears to be a later addition.

Timber weatherboard cladding, iron roofing, timber frame.

This cottage is an important reminder of a typical working class dwelling. The building is an important element of the history of Tonks Ave and upper Cuba Street and is an essential element of the heritage and architectural character of the area.

Tonks Avenue is a unique enclave of small workers cottages, and Edwardian housing that tell the story of early Wellington and the central city.

• Architectural

  Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

  9 Tonks Grove is a good representative example of a Victorian workers’ cottage.

• Group

  Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

  This building is a part of a precinct of historic buildings, some of which were relocated to the space, that are coherent in age, scale, use, and style. It makes a positive contribution to the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Townscape

  Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

  This building has townscape value due to the contribution that it makes as a part of the Tonks Grove precinct.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

  This building is associated with the Tonks family and the early development of Wellington.

• Archaeological

  Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

  The site has been much disturbed by 2006 road-works but is located within the Central City NZAA R27/270.

• Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

  Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

  Although the original context, and much of the original materials, of this building have been lost due to its relocation, it continues to make a positive contribution to the streetscape of the Cuba Street Heritage Area.

• Public Esteem

  Is the item held in high public esteem?

  The heritage properties around upper Cuba Street, Abel Smith, Tonks Avenue and upper Willis Street that were affected by the Wellington Inner City Bypass route are known to be held in high public esteem. This can be seen from the objections raised to the roading scheme including in submissions to the Environment Court.

• Authentic

  Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

  This building retains some authenticity although it has been relocated and extensively restored. It is still a good representative of its period and is a physical reminder of Wellington’s early history.

• Local Regional National International

  Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  This building is important at a local level due to its association with the Tonks family, the early settlement of Wellington, and as a representative of a specific building type.

• Representative

  Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

  This building is a good representative of a 1860s/70s workers dwelling, and is one of few remaining in the central city.

Not assessed

• ‘5 Tonks Avenue – Relocation preparation’, Transit New Zealand, accessed 28 March 2013
• ‘5 Tonks Avenue – History’, Transit New Zealand, accessed 28 March 2013
• Kelly, Michael, and Russell Murray. Cuba Street Heritage Area Report. Wellington City Council: Unpublished report, prepared for Plan Change 48, 2006.
• Wellington City Council, ‘House – 5 Tonks Avenue’, Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 1995, Wellington City Council 1995.
• Alexander Turnbull Library
• Ref: PA12-1824-05. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand.

• Inventory Report

Not available