Nick Jones and Josephine Elworthy are staunch Clevedoners. Their work invigorates some of the village’s most historic buildings. It’s a marriage of business nous, equestrian sport and unbreakable community spirit.
Under the banner of Hololio – Hawaiian for running horse – the couple are dedicated to securing the area’s cultural heritage and its rural vibe. Not as a museum piece, but as a vibrant, successful commercial reality.
Josephine Elworthy
Co-Owner of Hololio House
Nick bought the main property in 1981. Its previous owners were all descendants of the original European settlers, the Munros. He set about establishing the spot as a world- class polo venue. It’s since been expanded to incorporate the adjoining historic Dow property and includes the Munro homestead itself, built in 1892. The property occupies two of three historic promontories within the village’s central floodplain on the Wairoa river. The homestead and a modern nearby pool house are open to take guests and host weddings on weekends.
But it’s not only on the property that the couple has played a role in helping to shape the heart of the village. Josephine has worked with the Clevedon Association since its inception as the Clevedon Business Association 20 years ago.
“I said back then, in 20 years’ time we won’t be farming animals anymore, we’ll be farming people,” she explains.
In the last 140 years Clevedon has evolved. It began as a farming community. Then came smaller farms and lifestyle blocks. And now it’s in the middle of an extensive round of housing development. Today, this includes Metlifecare’s Ōtau Ridge retirement development and an estimated 1,000 new homes.
But the village’s centre retains the look and feel of a traditional community township. It boasts two churches, two dairies, take-away stores, restaurants, cafes and sports clubs. The Hallertau brewery and biergarten supply the outdoor pub vibe.
A roll call of forward-thinking Clevedoners have worked hard for many years to secure the area’s reputation as Auckland’s rural backyard. This began with strategic moves in previous decades to expand the A&P Showgrounds. The popular farmer’s market was moved and expanded within the showground’s boundaries. Progress marched on, with a host of local plan changes and the installation of waste water pipes across the village.
Each change has involved engagement with the local community organisations, and has sparked and supported a host of new businesses.
This includes Hololio House. It’s now one of a growing number of popular events and wedding venues in and around Clevedon.
Josephine has been an active influence. She was particularly instrumental in helping to establish the Clevedon Village Trails network of walking, cycling and bridle paths, including on the couple’s own land and in 2023 was awarded a Herenga ā Nuku Outdoor Access Champion award in recognition.
Recent years have also seen the creation of the new Hūnua Traverse trail. This 40+ kilometre mixed-terrain track weaves through the regional park to Kaiaua on the Seabird Coast. It was created by a partnership of Ngā Haerenga – New Zealand Cycle Trails, Watercare and the Franklin Local Board. The overall effect has been to plug Clevedon into a network of outdoor activities. This stretches all the way via the Hauraki Rail Trail through Paeroa, Waihi, Te Aroha, and as far south as Matamata.
Together they form an impressive pack of drawcards for home buyers, businesses and visitors. This delights Josephine, and helps breathe life into Hololio’s endeavours too.
“People love the peace and quiet,” she says. “And it’s very authentic. There’s a place for everyone. When I think about the future here I like to be optimistic. I hope people will come and enjoy being part of a rural community. Join all the clubs, contribute to the community. If we can continue to get the support we need then we’re going to continue to grow and improve and be vigorous. Because if you don’t grow you die.”
