Rimutaka MP Chris Hipkins visited Golders Cottage last week to promote local history as a part of June 2010 Heritage Month. Mr Hipkins is encouraging locals to get behind Heritage Month, highlighting the importance of preserving and valuing our community heritage sites.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Golder’s Cottage. Experiencing how much of a day-to-day struggle it was for early settlers in the Hutt Valley really makes you appreciate all of the comforts and conveniences that we take for granted today,” says Chris Hipkins.

“Golder’s Cottage is an excellent asset to the community and I encourage everyone to visit the fantastic heritage sites that our community has to offer.

Driven by the Wellington Region Heritage Promotion Council, Heritage Month aims to promote and encourage the preservation of the region’s heritage. Golder’s Cottage is celebrating Heritage Month by showcasing Main Street to the River, a set of displays on the historical urban development between the Golder Homestead and the Hutt River.

“Appreciating our history keeps the knowledge of our community’s heritage alive for future generations to learn from. While it’s easy to focus on current and future issues, it’s equally as important to remember the past, and where we came from. I applaud the Golder’s Cottage committee for the hard work they put into preserving this vital part of our local heritage,” Hipkins said.

Chris Hipkins encourages all those who want more information on Heritage Month events throughout the region to visit the Wellington Region Heritage Promotion Council website at www.wellingtonheritagepromotions.org.nz.