The Hinemihi Project: our proposals at a glance

The cultural exchange

• In 2017, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga approached the National Trust on behalf of Ngāti Hinemihi, requesting the return of Hinemihi's whakairo to her home in Aotearoa in exchange for a new body of whakairo they would create for Clandon.
• In 2019, we agreed in principle to this exchange. The new whakairo, created by expert Maori carvers, will celebrate Hinemihi and her diverse community, becoming the heart of a new wharenui at Clandon.
• The Hinemihi Project is being delivered by a three-way cultural partnership between Ngā Kohinga Whakairo o Hinemihi representing Ngāti Hinemihi (People of Hinemihi) in Aotearoa, Te Maru o Hinemihi representing the interests of the Hinemihi and the wharenui at Clandon, and the National Trust. The partnership is supported by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 

Our proposals

Our project proposes to:

• return Hinemihi’s whakairo to Ngāti Hinemihi in Aotearoa, in exchange for new whakairo created by them
• reconstruct  the late twentieth-century timber-framed structure of the meeting house at Clandon, incorporating much of the current material while improving facilities and access 
• mount the new whakairo onto the reconstructed structure, creating a unique new wharenui at Clandon, with a new name, that will celebrate and serve the UK's Māori and Pasifika communities

 

Why the exchange matters

• It preserves Hinemihi’s whakairo by protecting the carvings from weather damage so they can be cared for and kept safe for future generations.
• It brings Hinemihi home by returning her carvings to Ngāti Hinemihi, where they can be cared for, celebrated by, and connected once again with the people and place they are most connected to.
• It builds on the 4th Earl of Onslow's desire to celebrate relationships with Māori people and share their culture. The new carvings will honour Māori and Pasifika communities in the UK, creating a dedicated cultural space for them.
• It builds understanding between different cultures and generations by creating new opportunities for people in Aotearoa and the UK to share stories, learn from each other, and build lasting connections.

 

A new wharenui for Clandon

• A wharenui has stood at Clandon since 1897 and is an important part of its history.
• For many years, Hinemihi has given Māori and Pasifika people in the UK a place to connect with their culture, while helping others learn about Māori history and traditions.
• Creating a new wharenui will help keep these traditions alive by providing a place for gatherings, ceremonies, storytelling, cultural exchange, and learning for visitors from across the UK and beyond.

The proposed improved facilities include:

• electric power and light
• heating and insulation
• Wi-Fi
• access to water
• better wheelchair access

What is happening next?

• We’re working towards Hinemihi’s return home taking place in 2028, assuming that all the necessary statutory permissions are in place.
• The reconstruction of the timber-framed structure and the creation of the new wharenui at Clandon would follow later in 2028.

 

How to share your views

• Go to the Guildford Borough Council planning website at www.guildford.gov.uk/planning
• Click on 'search or comment on a planning application'
• Click on 'search for a planning application'
• Find the planning application using the number 26/P/01231 and the listed building consent application using the number 26/P/01232
• Open the application to read the plans and information
• Click 'Comment on this application'
• Sign in or create a free account
• For 'Commenter Type', choose ‘Other interested party’ 
• For 'Stance' choose between 'Support', 'Object', or 'Neutral'
• Add your views in the 'Your Comment' field

Please submit your comment before the deadline of 16 October 2026.

Tips

• There are two applications, the planning application and the listed building consent application. Commenting on one application isn't automatically copied across to the other. Please add your comment to both applications.
• Focus on planning matters like design, traffic, access, or environmental impacts. Personal opinion is not usually considered. 

For more information, visit the Guildford Borough Council planning website.