Freeling Holt House is the legacy of the vision of Miss Beatrice Mary Freeling and the remarkable generosity of Betty Holt.

Bee Freeling trained as a nurse and served in Whangarei and Cornwall Park during World War 11.  She then became a district nurse in the East Coast Bays, until she retired in 1966.  She then joined other men & woman in establishing the first day centre for civilian maimed on the North Shore.  At the same time the centres for mutual aid were being established on the North Shore, helped greatly by Miss Freeling’s inspiration and encouragement.

About 1970 the Civilian Maimed Movement, found there was a need for a residential home for disabled whose future caused great concern to parents, relatives and friends.

There followed a period of unceasing fund raising by all North Shore centres and friends.  It was during this time that Miss Freeling was recommended for a service honour and is believed to be the first woman decorated with the New Zealand honour – the Queens Service Medal in 1975.  Despite failing health for the last 10 years of her life, Miss Freeling continued to fund raise for the home in which she was assisted by an enthusiastic and hard-working group of supporters.

The eventual approving and granting of a subsidy by government cleared the way for building the home on an acre of land generously given by Mrs Betty Holt .

The culmination of her life and service was the official opening in February 1983, by the Patron of the North Shore Civilian Maimed Association, Mrs Fay Gair, of a fully equipped, purpose built, residential home for 35 disabled guests, to be known as Freeling Holt House.