Historic House of New Zealand Author Robin Hyde Faces Demolition

The once cherished home of renowned New Zealand author Robin Hyde, known for her significant literary contributions, is set to be demolished. The announcement came on March 15, 2024, revealing that the historic Penman House, located on Carrington Road in Auckland, will no longer stand as a testament to Hyde’s legacy.

Initially, there was confusion regarding the demolition’s connection to a housing development by Ockham Residential. Clarifications from various sources indicate that the house is not part of Ockham’s redevelopment project. Instead, the decision to demolish the property was made by the Waiohua-Tāmaki iwi group, which owns the land. Heritage New Zealand and the Auckland City Council have approved the demolition, a move that has drawn significant backlash from the literary community.

Community Response to Demolition Plans

Writer Paula Morris, alongside Hyde scholar Mary Paul, has led efforts to prevent the house’s destruction. Their petition attracted 195 signatories within 24 hours, urging Heritage New Zealand to reconsider the decision. Morris expressed her discontent, stating, “This is a shabby business.” She emphasized the cultural significance of the house, which served as Hyde’s refuge during a tumultuous period in her life, where she produced some of her best work.

Hyde resided in Penman House during the 1930s as a mental health patient, where she wrote critically acclaimed novels, including Passport to Hell and The Godwits Fly. Morris noted that since the demolition plans were announced, several individuals have offered financial assistance to relocate the house, demonstrating the community’s commitment to preserving this literary landmark.

Legacy of Robin Hyde and Local Literary Events

Hyde’s literary legacy remains influential in New Zealand culture, with her work reflecting deep emotional and social themes. Morris highlighted that the decision to demolish the house disregards the historical and cultural context that surrounds it. “Whatever Heritage NZ and Auckland City Council decided, tikanga has not been observed in the decision to demolish Penman House,” she stated, calling attention to the lack of community consultation in the process.

In a notable contrast, Thursday night also saw the Prime Minister’s Awards for Literary Achievement in Wellington, where several writers were recognized for their exceptional work. Barbara Else won the fiction prize, while Ross Calman and Dinah Hawken took home awards for nonfiction and poetry, respectively, each receiving $60,000 for their contributions.

That same evening, an engaging literary event took place at The Nix in Auckland, featuring a reading of Anne Kennedy’s short story Jewel’s Darl. The performance, curated by Bridget van der Zijpp, captivated the audience and underscored the enduring power of New Zealand literature. The contrasting events highlight both the fragility of literary heritage and the vibrancy of contemporary literary culture.

The planned demolition of Penman House not only threatens to erase a physical space of literary significance but also raises critical questions about how communities engage with their cultural heritage. As the fate of this historic site hangs in the balance, the literary community continues to rally for its preservation, ensuring that the legacy of Robin Hyde and the stories she shared are not forgotten.