What if these walls could talk? The First State House could tell a story of a nation’s aspirations. It stands here on Fife Lane. This unassuming house represents a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s history.
Completed in 1937, the First State House was more than just a building. It was a symbol of hope during the First Labour Government. This government believed that all New Zealanders deserved decent housing. The house is a modest three-bedroom dwelling. It has plastered brick walls and a concrete tile roof. The section is 505 square meters.
Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage opened the First State House on 18 September 1937. He and his cabinet ministers even carried furniture inside. Savage carrying a dining table became an iconic image. It symbolized the government’s commitment to state housing.
David and Mary McGregor were the first tenants of the First State House. David worked as a tram driver. He earned just over eight New Zealand dollars a week. Their rent was about three dollars. That was just over a third of his pay. The McGregors later bought the house in the 1950s. The First National Government allowed state tenants to buy their homes.
After David and Mary passed away, the government bought the house back in 1983. It became a state house again. In 1987, a 50th-anniversary celebration took place. Peter Neilson and Helen Clark carried a coffee table through the door. This mirrored Savage’s act 50 years prior. It was a symbolic gesture.
In 1997, the New Zealand Herald visited the house. John and Winnie Nysse and their family were living there. They paid a much larger percentage of their income in rent. This was due to market rents imposed by the Fourth National Government.
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust registered the First State House in 1986. It is a Category I heritage item. It is recognized for its historical and cultural significance. The house represents Labour’s housing program. Its architecture is also noteworthy.
Higgins and Arcus built this functional house. Its plain detailing reflects the era’s economy. It also enabled quick construction. Window shutters and multi-pane windows add some ornamentation. This design influenced building styles throughout New Zealand.
The state housing scheme addressed a housing shortage during the Depression. Many people moved to cities seeking work. The Labour Government aimed to build modern and comfortable homes. They believed housing was a fundamental right.
The subdivision in Miramar was one of the first completed. Architects designed the houses to maximize sunlight. Interiors promoted harmonious home life. The McGregor family previously lived in a substandard dwelling. They obtained their new home by ballot. Rent depended on their ability to pay and care for the property.
Today, the First State House remains a rental property. It stands as a reminder of a transformative period. It symbolizes a significant era in New Zealand’s social development. This house is a prototype for state houses. It reflects the attitudes held about home and family in the 1930s. The First State House is an important element. It contributes greatly to the sense of place in Miramar.