Whanganui Quaker Settlement
Sixteen homes surround a residential seminar centre accommodating up to 40, serving the needs of NZ Quakers and other groups for seminars, retreats etc. The 20 acre site is owned by a Quaker Trust set up in 1975. There is no individual ownership of land: tenure is therefore not “ownership” rather “guardianship”. It could be seen as a “papa kaainga”; communal facilities kept warm by people living in the encircling houses. Infrastructure is minimal: carports are centralised and vehicular access minimised.
“The Settlement is very connected to Whanganui's environment and society through the relationships and activities of the people who live here, through friendships, cultural and sporting activities, connections with local iwi and work in social justice and environmental issues.”
Aerial overview of the Quaker Settlement. Image from https://quakers.nz/
Entry to a common room in the Quaker Settlement. Image from https://quakers.nz/
Communal pool at the Quaker Settlement. Image from http://quakersettlement.blogspot.com/
Olive orchard at the Quaker Settlement. Image from http://quakersettlement.blogspot.com/
The Quaker Settlement in the Media:
Peace, prayer and puddings - NZ Herald
Quaker Acres - RNZ
Solar panels ensure bright future for Quakers’ centre - Whanganui Chronicle
Settlement offers workshops to curb violence in the community - Whanganui Chronicle