GBI Community Heritage & Arts Village

In 2001 nine local artists set up "Aotea Community Artz" and in 2002 the group was registered as a Charitable Trust. The Chair of the Trust, Bob Lawson, is an artist with a variety of skills. It was Bob's dream to rescue old heritage buildings and create a Heritage and Arts Village and during 2002 to 2004 he and his partner Dianne Hayes were able to acquire three houses which were fated to be demolished. These buildings were all relocated to Gray Road, Kaitoke and placed on land generously provided by Alan and Sue Gray.