Plunket Rooms, Ashburton

Built in 1932 and designed by local architect Ernest Mitchell Gabites, this was the first dedicated Plunket clinic to be built in Ashburton. The foundation stone for the building was laid by Sir Truby King, founder of the Plunket Society.

• Heritage NZ Inventory - Link: Not Registered
• District Council Heritage - Link: https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/46255/Heritage-Item-14-Plunket-Rooms.pdf

This building was constructed in 1932 and the foundation stone was laid by Sir Truby King, founder of the Plunket Society. It was later extended in 1998 and the extension opened by then Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.

The building is of brick and timber construction, with the top half of the walls rendered and painted. The roof is corrugated iron and hipped. The main entrance consists of double timber doors with arched lead light glass in the top half, under a Palladian style curved verandah supported by three large columns. This elaborate main entrance contrasts with the relatively plain appearance of the south west and south east elevations of the building.

Ernest Mitchell Gabites was a local architect who lived and practised in Ashburton over an extensive period from the early 1920s. Initially a draughtsman and worked briefly in Dunedin after his service in World War II. He was a long term member of the NZIA. He designed a variety of buildings in Ashburton, including the Parish Hall for St Stephens Anglican Church 1937.

In 2023 the building was purchased from the Ashburton District Council by Justin Skilling, who earthquake strengthened, refurbished and let it to a new tenant.