The History Of Windsor Lodge (1958--)

Windsor Lodge was founded in 1958 by Mr Francis Carter who had emigrated from England a couple of years prior. What would have been considered a huge risk (building the first true motel in NZ) back in those days has turned into a testament to Mr Carter's courage. The original accommodation and residence still stands and has retained it's committment to the community. Whilst Hosts have come and gone over the years, the spirit of the Carters lives on; we as the incumbent hosts have committed to preserving the history and ensuring that the Lodge continues to be a part of Waitahanui into the future.

In August 2008, the Lodge celebrated it's Jubilee; 50 years of service is an enviable record in hospitality so we felt it most important to recognise the milestone. A dedication was planned for August 23, 2008 and research began....what a task as it turned out!

A chance meeting and mention of our intentions to Graeme Carrick unleashed an avalanche of information. It turned out that Graeme had courted (and married) Yvonne and Yvonne had been 'best friends' with Carole Carter as children. Holidaying in Waitahanui as construction began, the kids met and became lifelong friends. Carole now lives in Canada and her sister June lives in Auckland. There are many, many stories about the early days and the exploits of the children and there are just a couple that will remain untold here.

We would like to thank Carol in particular for her contribution of photographs for the Jubilee and to June for attending our dedication (along with her daughter and grand-daughter).

The following comments are reproduced from our Diary which will be placed in a safe place with all the photographs and momentos. In 2013, the Windsor Cup will turn 50 and further items will be added to the collection.

" Thank you for this opportunity to share this special occasion. We have been coming here for 35 years plus and we have enjoyed many happy years with fond memories fishing for the Windsor Cup and meeting lots of different people. Congratulations on achieving 50 years."     ......Peter and Alyson Grice.

"Arrived here to park a caravan by the old Patiki (now at the school we think) in 1970. It has been a marvellous spot to come over the years with 6 different vans. Met many great people both fishing and socially and have many great memories of the times spent here. Many thanks to Richard and Sandy for the opportunity to spend some time celebrating Windsor Lodge and it's 50th Anniversary."   23.8.08   Lyn and Dick Pulman

"We do keep returning, I wonder why? First place, great mates, fish are sometimes great. The only constant is the river water, beautiful and only improved by a dash of a good malt but not if you're going to have a shave in it. Looking forward to the next 50"

Dave Street

"Congratulations Windsor Lodge on your 50th Anniversary. We have enjoyed 32 years here, meeting some wonderful people along the way. We hope to have many more weekend here."

Faye and Daryl Lacey

"Thank you from Hiini and Melvia Northcroft for the opportunity of joining you all celebrating 50 years of service to the community of Waitahanui and the many loyal campers who have enjoyed their stay at Windsor Lodge. Thank you to Richard and Sandy for their friendliness and contribution to this community"

"Thanks so much to Rich and Sandy for organsing this wonderful anniversary party and for inviting us to be part of it. It has been so great to come here and and see what my parents dreamt of all that time ago has evolved into. I know they would be delighted to see it in such wonderful hands. I'm sure they had a hand in Graeme being across the road when you needed a plumber all those weeks ago just as your research 'hit the wall'. My daughters and grand-daughter came along for moral support but ended up absorbing the sense of history and truly enjoying the occasion. Thanks again and we will definately be back before too long"   

June Brown (nee Carter), Linda Larsen, Sue Good, Emily Good