Celebrating ten years of Dulux and the Department of Conservation
Dulux and the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai have been working together to protect backcountry DOC huts, historic buildings and other facilities for future generations to enjoy.
The partnership began in 2013 and focuses on protecting and restoring DOC and community huts and buildings.
DOC's huts have long provided essential shelter for Kiwi outdoor enthusiasts and international visitors. Situated in a variety of landscapes from alpine to coastal settings these huts are often exposed to New Zealand’s harshest and most extreme weather conditions. They protect visitors who seek shelter, and this partnership helps to protect the huts themselves.
Over the last ten years more than 150 huts and buildings have been restored, thanks to the donation thousands of litres of paint and special funding grants.
Take a look at some of our most recent projects below.
Freeman Burn Hut
Location: Lake Manapouri, Fiordland National Park, Southland.
Project completed: 2023.
Dulux colour: Pioneer Red.
The Freeman Burn hut was built in the mid-1930s to cater for people walking the Bradshaw Sound-Lake Manapouri track. It has been retained over the years because of its proximity to a popular boating lake.
Fiordland’s weather has also led to the demise of many early buildings in the area. Freeman Burn hut has survived because of its sound construction – built with a heart of rimu and clad with corrugated iron to keep the Fiordland weather out.
A full restoration project was carried out with NZ Deerstalkers Association Southern Lakes Branch taking on the project with the Back Country Trust. Les Hutchins Conservation Foundation and Dulux, through their partnership with the Department of Conservation also contributed significantly via their special projects funds to enable project completion.
Most of the materials used for the hut’s original structure needed a full replacement with ‘like for like’, meaning while the hut is almost completely new, it has been carefully restored to reflect the era it was built in.
Lawson Scout Hall
Location: Lawson Scout Hall, Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Project completed: February 2023.
Dulux colours: Whitemans Valley, Green Olive, Southern Alps, Burgess Park.
Lawson Scout Hall is a notable heritage building that has been used by the Kelburn Scout Group for over 100 years. The home of one of New Zealand’s longest running scout troops had become run down and prone to weather damage - it’s rewarding to be able to protect this iconic building in Wellington’s popular Botanical Gardens for future generations of leaders – the guides, keas, cubs and scouts yet to come!
This year the hall turns 125 years old and it’s now looking brand new.
Together through the partnership we’ve helped the scouts restore and future-proof the building. Old lead-based paint was removed and the entire hall was repainted. Now the space is safe and fit-for-purpose to support Scouting, Girl Guiding, and other community group users.
Learn more about DOC-managed heritage sites here.
Taipo Hut
Location: Taipo Hut, Mavora Lakes Conservation Park.
Project completed: June 2023.
Dulux colour: Sandfly Point.
Taipo Hut is an inspiring before and after transformation thanks to the partnership between Dulux and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Taipo Hut was built in 1985 and is an important stop for walkers on the Te Araroa Trail between Greenstone valley and Mavora Lakes.
Dulux partnership special funding enabled paint supplies and transportation of building materials and rangers to the hut site to complete the work.
The refurbishment of the site will result in a much warmer hut. Now many people can continue to enjoy Taipo hut with an enhanced appearance and much needed exterior maintenance.
Learn more about Taipo hut here.
Location: Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island.
Project completed: December 2022.
Dulux colours: Tai Tapu, Karamea, Waitārere Beach, Te Awamutu, Sherwood, Kohimarama.
The toilet and changing block servicing Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island and the surrounding marine reserve has been given a new lease of life with bright murals of taonga (treasured) species painted on its sides.
New Zealand artist Erin Forsyth spent over a week painting the mural onto the building, which is located at one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s busiest marine reserves, managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Goat Island, the local name for Cape Rodney / Okakari Point Marine Reserve, near Leigh, was New Zealand's first marine reserve. It was established in 1975 and in less than 10 years became a rich ecological area, teeming with sea life. It attracts about 400,000 visitors per year and contributes over $18.6M to the local economy.
The freshly painted mural features marine animals such as kekeno / NZ fur seals, kororā / little blue penguin, orca, and giant manta rays - all iconic species that can be seen in the Hauraki Gulf.
DOC senior ranger Stefan Sebregts says that the block was built in the mid 2000s and had been showing signs of aging.
“We recognised the need for this building to reflect the special status of this marine reserve and be as beautiful as the area surrounding it.
“Dulux’s support enabled this project to come to life. As one of DOC’s iconic sites, staff have been working hard to enhance the mana of the reserve and ensure the visitor experience matches the beauty of the natural environment,” says Stefan Sebregts.
The artist took inspiration from the sea to create the design and worked with Ngāti Manuhiri to select the taonga species represented in the mural.
This work was possible due to the long-standing partnership between Dulux and DOC. Dulux contributed towards the project costs, which included artist fees and safety equipment, plus all the product to make Erin’s dream a reality.
Find out more about Te Hāwere-a-Maki / Goat Island.
To see project inspiration using the Dulux Colours of New Zealand range please visit our Department of Conservation partnerships page.
With a network of over 950 huts of all shapes and sizes, you can learn more about these huts or book your next stay on the Department of Conservation website. You can also read the Conservation blog for a behind the scenes look at DOC’s conservation work.
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