About
The Ballance House is a restored 19th century homestead in the rural countryside of Glenavy. It was the birthplace of John Ballance (b.1839) who went on to become the 14th Premier of New Zealand (1891-93); he was a distinguished Liberal Premier, perhaps best known, before his untimely death in office, for being the first Dominion/Colonial Premier to successfully pioneer full female suffrage 25 years before it was achieved in the UK. There is a blue plaque (allocated by the Ulster History Circle) onsite commemorating John Ballance. A formal Declaration of Friendship was drawn up between Ballance’s home area, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Manawatū-Whanganui District Council, his burial place.
The Ballance House was restored in the early 1990s with a focus on preserving original features and the original stones were repurposed in the rebuild. Of particular interest to visitors is the authentically restored 19th century Parlour.
Our Exhibition 'The Ulster New Zealand Story – Half a World Away From Here' engages visitors in an exploration of New Zealand and the extraordinary contribution Ulster people, such as John Ballance, made to its development. Highlighting history, culture and people, our displays focus on the history and heritage of human relationships that exist between the province of Ulster in Ireland and New Zealand. It features not only the story of John Ballance but also explores links with New Zealand through other prominent people such as William Massey of Limavady, PM of New Zealand during WW1 and through many ordinary people and communities who emigrated to New Zealand whose north Island was once known as New Ulster.
The exhibition includes an unusual collection of Maori exhibits, historical documents and artefacts. We also have a Farm Exhibition which contains farm machinery artefacts from the 19th century.
Take a self-guided tour around the House and chat with our knowledgeable guides who will be on hand to tell you more. The Ballance House is of particular interest to visitors seeking a cultural and educational experience and to visiting New Zealanders who want to investigate connections and explore history between our two countries.
