A heritage building with suffrage connections renewed for the future

Shamrock Cottage in Cockle Bay, once the holiday home of Amey Daldy, a prominent figure in New Zealand’s suffrage movement and her husband, Captain W C Daldy, is the current home of a popular café The Tearooms at Shamrock Cottage.

Purchased by the Daldys in 1894, it was named after Shamrock, an 85-tonne schooner captained by Captain Daldy.  

The cottage is one of the properties that Eke Panuku manages on behalf of Auckland Council and is one of a number of heritage buildings in the portfolio. As custodians of these buildings, it is our responsibility to ensure they are well maintained for future generations of Aucklanders.

Earlier investigations into the cottage found that, like many heritage buildings in Auckland, it was earthquake prone, had asbestos in the roof, and the bathroom facilities needed improving to make them accessible for people with mobility needs.

To remedy these issues, we refurbished the cottage, while maintaining its distinct character, revitalising the much-loved building. The work included seismically strengthening the structure, removing lead paint and asbestos, replacing the roof, replacing pipes, making the bathroom accessible, and installing a new air conditioning system.

The current tenant, The Tearooms at Shamrock Cottage, also made some improvements to the interior of the cottage. Approved by Auckland Council’s heritage unit, the walls, door frames and skirting boards have been repainted, and the floors have been sanded and oiled.