History
13 Tonks Ave HPT Investigations - 18 January 2005
Named as Wharanui, this house was built for Kate Tonks, a successful Wellington property owner, in 1906. She was originally Kate Heyler until she married Henry Tonks, a coal and wood merchant and Maori interpreter. Henry died at the age of 40, in 1884, leaving her to bring up five children. Kate subsequently constructed at least four buildings, in what was then called Tonks Grove and owned other buildings within the city and in Karori.
The family first lived in 276 Cuba Street.
Number 13 Tonks Avenue is testament to Kate Tonks' property management skills. In the 1950s this building was sold to the Wellington City Council and became the Stagecraft Theatre occupied the house from August 1958.
This two-storeyed house is designed in the Edwardian Queen Anne style and is constructed of a timber frame with rusticated weatherboard and intricate detailing.
New Location
40 metres north-west of its original position to Kensington Street. This building is the first building in the Kensington precinct.
New Address
15 Kensington Street.
13 Tonks Ave Investigations - 18 January 2005
New Colours
Gull Grey
Fawn
Latte
Nelson Red
Drab Brown
Black
Construction Update
27 September 2005 – Relocated
April 2006 – Restoration commences
September 2006 – Restoration complete
