Unique fundraiser planned

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A part of the stunning garden at Ohinetahi in Governors Bay, where North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled will hold its fundraiser on November 10. Photo: Supplied
A part of the stunning garden at Ohinetahi in Governors Bay, where North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled will hold its fundraiser on November 10. Photo: Supplied
A longstanding friendship with Christchurch architect Sir Miles Warren has resulted in a unique fundraising opportunity for North Canterbury Riding for the Disabled (NCRD).

Many years ago, NCRD chairwoman Lin Bisman and her husband Ian were employed by Sir Miles, who with his sister, Pauline, and brother-in-law, John Trengrove, developed the Governors Bay property Ohinetahi into the garden of international significance and the World Heritage site it is today.

Ohinetahi was purchased by them in 1976, but after 12 years the Trengroves left Ohinetahi for another property.

Sir Miles stayed on at Ohinetahi, but in 2012 gifted the property to the New Zealand public. It is now run by the Ohinetahi Charitable Trust.

The Bismans' association with Sir Miles has enabled NCRD to hold its November 10 fundraiser at Ohinetahi.

''We are most grateful to Sir Miles,'' Lin says.

''It is going to be a very special day out, with a tour of the garden, packed picnic lunch, a glass of bubbles, live music from Cloe Anngow, and a fashion show from Country Lane Fashions in Rangiora.

''We are pushing it as much as we can because it will be a day to remember. The inspiration for Ohinetahi in its present form came from the grand formal English gardens such as Sissinghurst, Hidcote and Great Dixter.

Although the original gardens at Ohinetahi were established in 1865, extensive restoration work was required to the house and garden when Sir Miles, Pauline and John bought the property and, again, after the Christchurch earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

The garden also features modern sculptures, art galleries and a charming category-1 historic 19th century homestead.

-The fundraiser will start at 11am on Sunday, November 10, and finish at 3pm. Tickets cost $35 and can be purchased at Stan's 7 Day Pharmacy in Rangiora, Terra Viva Home and Garden in Christchurch, or by phoning Carol Aitken on (021) 1796702 or (03) 3136983.