Massey Family tour The Ballance House

One hundred years since the passing of William Ferguson Massey, 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand, his family and diplomats visited The Ballance House, Glenavy, Co Antrim.

The home farm of fellow Ulsterman and 14th Kiwi Premier John Ballance. One a Conservative, the other a Liberal, but both playing a pivotal role in the development of NZ.

Welcomed by Paul Hewitt, chair of the Ulster New Zealand Trust, the 33 guests then toured ‘The Half A World Away’  exhibition dedicated, not just to John Ballance, but to the on going links between NI and NZ.

A native of Limavady William ‘Farmer Bill’ Massey is the subject of a new display at The Ballance House. One welcomed by Massey family members visiting from NZ, the USA and London.

The senior diplomat present was acting New Zealand High Commissioner in London Her Excellency Guergana Guermanoff, who clearly enjoyed her first visit to NI.  An opportunity for NZ Honorary Consul in NI, Caroline Keenan, to introduce this distinguished visitor to Ulster New Zealand Trust volunteers and visiting descendants of William Massey on the home farm of John Ballance. A farm still in the Ballance family and home to The Ballance House historic exhibition, conference centre and community hub.