"U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins made a flying visit to Northland recently which included a visit to Clendon House in Rawene."

"James Reddy Clendon – who built the house in Rawene in the late 1860s – was New Zealand’s first United States Consul, appointed to the position in late 1838."

"Clendon House Visitor Host, Lindsay Charman, highlighted the significance of James Reddy Clendon in early New Zealand history – including his role as principal witnesses to the signing of both New Zealand’s Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi."

The Media Release is as follows:

 

 

 

 

June 10

MEDIA RELEASE

U.S. Consul General visits Northland sites

U.S. Consul General Melanie Higgins made a flying visit to Northland recently which included a visit to Clendon House in Rawene.

The historic building located in the Hokianga, which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand, has special significance for the United States. James Reddy Clendon – who built the house in Rawene in the late 1860s – was New Zealand’s first United States Consul, appointed to the position in late 1838.

“There has always been a very high awareness and appreciation of the earliest formal diplomatic and trade connection between the United States and New Zealand by American officials over the years,” says the General Manager of Heritage Destinations for Heritage New Zealand, Nick Chin.

“We were honoured to welcome Melanie Higgins as part of that ongoing close relationship that we enjoy with the United States Embassy and Consulate in New Zealand, and to introduce her to this beautiful part of the country.”

As part of the official visit, Clendon House Visitor Host, Lindsay Charman, highlighted the significance of James Reddy Clendon in early New Zealand history – including his role as principal witnesses to the signing of both New Zealand’s Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi.

He also highlighted the importance of Clendon’s wife Jane, who single-handedly cleared the debts on Clendon’s estate after he died, ensuring the property stayed within the family. Clendon House and its contents were purchased from the Clendon family by Heritage New Zealand in 1972.

“Heritage New Zealand brings the history of our diplomatic relations to life through careful preservation and great story telling,” says Ms. Higgins.

“I look forward to another visit in the near future.”

As well as visiting Clendon House, Ms Higgins visited other historic places associated with James Reddy Clendon in Northland, including the site of Clendon’s original house in Okiato, and with Clendon Cottage, which is now the visitor centre for Pompallier Mission in Russell, where Clendon and his family lived before moving to the Hokianga.

John O’Hare, Heritage Advisor Media and Marketing (Northern Region)
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga