Historic Godley House unable to be saved

Lyttelton-Mt Herbert Community Board has been informed by Council staff that Diamond Harbour’s historic Godley House cannot be saved.

Acting Manager Greenspace Operations Manager, Kay Holder says sadly, despite our initial hopes of a rebuild following the September earthquake, Godley House is now damaged beyond repair and will need to be demolished. The timing around demolition is yet to be finalised. A report to Council is currently being prepared for approval.

“Following the 22 February earthquake further significant damage was caused to the building. It has now had major structural failure and has all but collapsed.

“Two independent reports from structural engineers recommend that the building needs to be demolished.”

Engineering reports have also confirmed the building is too unstable to enter, the area immediately surrounding the building has been cordoned off to protect public safety. 

Lyttelton-Mt Herbert Community Board member and City Councillor Claudia Reid says it is hoped that careful demolition of the building will salvage some heritage fabric.

“It's almost unbearable to contemplate Diamond Harbour without Godley House; they are part and parcel of each other. Although the building is not able to be retained, its heritage values can still be promoted though interpretation. 

“This will serve as a reminder of the past, and to educate, inform and entertain the community about aspects of its history and culture which have shaped the identity of the area.”

At this stage there are no immediate plans for the site. However, there will be opportunities for public involvement in the future development of the site.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says Council’s aim is to work closely with the local community and key stakeholders to look at all future options for this historic site.

“Godley House has played a significant role in the social life of the Diamond Harbour community and for visitors to the house, most recently as a restaurant and accommodation. The house has been a landmark in the community for over 130 years. 

“While the surrounding area remains a valued destination for locals and visitors; future plans will see the site re-established as a strong, thriving and attractive community destination,” he says.

Godley House, constructed in 1880, is of historical and social significance in terms of its construction, and its association with leading early settlers.

Godley House was built as a family home by Mr Harvey Hawkins - ship chandler, ironmonger and speculator, and one of Lyttelton’s leading citizens. The land that Godley House is built on was purchased from Mark Stoddart who lived with his family, in what is known as Stoddart’s Cottage. This cottage is situated nearby behind the rugby grounds.

Renowned Canterbury painter Margaret Stoddart (daughter of Anna and Mark Stoddart) lived and painted in the house. Several of her most significant paintings were of the house in its garden and harbour setting.

The Stoddart family lived in Godley House until 1913 when both houses were sold to the Lyttelton Borough Council, who then named it after the John Robert Godley, who came to New Zealand for a period of two years as the Canterbury Association Agent and is known as the ‘founder’ of the Canterbury settlement. Godley never lived in the house. 

Godley House in Diamond Harbour is of regional and metropolitan heritage significance, and is a Protected Heritage Building in Appendix IV of the proposed Banks Peninsula District Plan. Godley House is also registered as a Category II Historic Place by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.