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. The Ballance House showcases the many special connections between Northern Ireland and New Zealand and works to develop cultural links and interchange between the two countries. 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. We have the largest library in Ireland of New Zealand oriented books and there is a range of original 19th century farming equipment on-site. Of particular interest to visitors is the authentically restored 19th century Parlour.
Now 30 years after the restoration, we have a new Exhibition 'The Ulster New Zealand Story' which engages visitors in an exploration of New Zealand and the extraordinary contribution Ulster people, such as John Ballance, made to its development, thus embodying the giant spirit of Northern Ireland. 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.
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. Our Tea Barn provides home-baked refreshments.
The Ballance House can be booked for group, school and community visits, small private parties such as senior citizen birthdays, proposals and baby-naming celebrations, wedding ceremonies, meetings, away days, and as a filming location.
