Athenree Homestead is in desperate need of sponsorship to continue restoration and fund a project to generate income – or it faces falling into the cracks – says the trust chairperson.

Waihi Beach resident Trish Coates has been applying for grants to continue restoring the 134-year-old homestead, but says applications require 30-50 per cent pre-secured funding.

Ross Goudie and Trish Coates of the Athenree Homestead Trust, outside the old Athenree Railway Station building, they want to move and convert into a cafe.

'We're looking to do various projects, but our last grant was in 2005,” says Trish.

'We're just never going to raise enough money to finish the homestead by selling Devonshire teas and offering tours and things like that.”

Originally built by Captain Hugh and Adela Stewart following their arrival on the Lady Jocelyn in 1878, the homestead fell into disrepair in the 1940s. It was re-purchased in 1986 by the Rapley family, and Athenree Homestead Trust formed in 1995.

Trish says today's main project is moving the old Athenree Railway Station cottage (in front of the homestead), behind it, to convert to a cafe. With no current working kitchen, this will significantly enhance opportunities to generate revenue from the historic site, says Trish.

Costing $50,000-$60,000, Trish says relocating the building will generate more income for further development and upkeep of the entire property, 'as well as increase the services we can offer the public and wider community”.

Donated to the trust several years ago, the building was placed near the roadside but the location is not ideal, spoiling the homestead and garden view; and many people mistake it as the homestead, as they can't easily see the historic house.

The renovated railway station would be available for hire by community groups or for private functions including weddings and birthdays.

'Serving meals from the station means we'll not be compromising the integrity of the homestead. Currently, we have a temporary kitchen in a bedroom, known as the Ophir Room.”

Trish estimates costs at $9000 for moving the cottage and re-fit of a kitchen and café at about $27,000 with a further $17,000 for a covered veranda and decking.

'Basically, we need is to let people know this is the situation we're in – we sort of keep falling between the gaps – and it's quite hard, because so many people have put in such a lot of hard work to get the homestead to where it is,” says Trish.

'My concern is if we cannot move forward with something substantial, what are we going to do?”