An Afternoon at the Gables
Our story with Pukekura Park began more than a century ago, with a special connection to Govett Quilliam through our founder Clement Govett, who played an active part in the park’s early development.
In 2026, as Pukekura Park celebrates its 150th year and GQ continues its support of the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival and Taranaki Heritage Month, we’re celebrating the connections between our firm, the park and the wider region that has lasted for generations with an “Afternoon at the Gables”.
Join us for coffee, cake and an optional guided walking tour.
- 1-4pm Thursday 5 November | The Gables, Pukekura Park
- Walking Tours: Optional guided walking tour to discover the hidden pockets of the Park and their rich history. Tours will be departing from the Gables at 1pm and 2:30pm. Spaces are limited and medium fitness levels required.
- Free event open to clients and friends of the firm
Proudly supporting
GQ are proud to support the events and organisations celebrating Taranaki’s gardens, heritage and stories. Explore the gardens and events on offer during the 10-day Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, or head along to an event during Taranaki Heritage Month.
Clement Govett and the early days of Pukekura Park
Clement Govett was more than the founder of GQ. He was a keen horticulturist, conservationist and one of the many locals who gave their time, money and energy to shaping New Plymouth’s beloved park.
His support for Pukekura Park, then known as the Recreation Grounds, began in 1891 when he donated a generous £20 towards a fundraising campaign that saw some 2,500 native trees planted throughout the park.
He joined the Board the following year and later served as chairman, remaining involved until his death in 1914. It was a transformative period for the park: lakes were reshaped, islands created, the Serpentine extended towards Brooklands, and the boatshed, second bridge and first Tea House took shape.
And in 1907, the Board made a decision that has lasted ever since, renaming the Recreation Grounds Pukekura Park.
Clement Govett's Ginkgo Tree in Pukekura Park
One of the most tangible links to Clement’s connection with Pukekura Park can still be found there today.
In 1901, Clement purchased the Maranui homestead, a property neighbouring the park. A keen gardener, he planted a Ginkgo biloba in the gully below his homestead and opened his gardens for the public to enjoy in December 1902.
Maranui was later sold to prominent New Plymouth businessman T. C. List, and part of the property eventually became incorporated into the wider Pukekura Park and Brooklands landscape. Today, the area is known as List’s Garden.
More than 120 years later, Clement’s ginkgo still stands there. Now one of the largest in New Zealand, it’s a living link between our founder, Pukekura Park and the New Plymouth community GQ continues to be part of today.
More GQ connections around New Plymouth
Nearly 150 years in one place leaves a few connections. Our history is woven into Taranaki in many ways, and those connections continue today through the places, organisations and community we’re proud to continue to support.
In 1905, Clement Govett handled the legal work for the subdivision of Woodleigh farm. The new neighbourhood became Frankleigh and its main road was named Govett Avenue.
Monica Brewster was Clement Govett’s youngest daughter. She had a passion for contemporary art and having no children of her own, she gifted around £50,000 to establish a public art gallery for the city. In 1962 R.H. Quilliam prepared the trust deed, and in 1970 the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery opened its doors, carrying the names of Monica’s father, Clement Govett, and her husband, Dr Rex Brewster.
When Monica died in 1973, she left the gallery a further $72,000, along with her collections of paintings, china and Persian rugs. In all, her contribution to the gallery totalled around $250,000.
GQ’s connection with the gallery has continued ever since. GQ was involved in establishing the Govett-Brewster Foundation in 2003, remains the Gallery’s honorary solicitor and is the key sponsor of the Monica Brewster Evenings.