Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Totara Estate and Clarks Mill property lead Susanna Elliffe said the two Oamaru properties would not work without the hard work of volunteers.
"Our team of volunteers make an incredible contribution to the running of both places.
"From gardening to hospitality, restoration and re-enactments, our volunteers enable us to deliver experiences for visitors we could otherwise only dream of."
The vegetable garden at Totara Estate was a great example, she said.
"Before Alison Albiston arrived at Totara Estate, the vegetable garden was almost non-existent.
"Today, Alison — who along with her husband, Bruce, restored the Burnside Homestead — incorporates her passion for history and her obvious green fingers by volunteering several times a week.
Fellow volunteers Jill Grenfell and Margaret Jamison welcome guests to the estate, but that is only a small part of what they do.
Decked out in their Victorian attire, the team of two are ready to lend a hand wherever needed — such as at events like Learned Lectures, Teatime Specials or Lamb Day.
"Jill and Margaret have volunteered at Totara Estate for more than 20 years, continually going above and beyond for the site."
Likewise, Clarks Mill — the second-oldest flour mill in North Otago and one of the few working flour mills of its type left in the world — functions purely on volunteer power.
"After years of careful work they have brought the mill back to life, ensuring it is both safe and ready for the public to enjoy at monthly open days.
"Whether they’re restoring the crane and mill machinery, caring for Smokey Joe’s Speakeasy or pruning the roses outside the miller’s house, the Clarks Mill volunteers do it all and — quite literally — keep the wheels turning." — Allied Media
