are regularly held at the village using the church for ceremonies and the historic Bell House. The village is also offered as a film shoot location. Restoration projects Over the years, a number of restoration projects have taken place throughout the village. These buildings are timber framed and require significant ongoing work to protect and preserve them. In 2016, a project was commenced to restore Sergeant Ford's Fencible cottage. This project was started with the support of the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board. During the project, further deterioration of the foundation was found, extending the cost of the project by $30,000 and causing significant financial difficulties for the village. The village needed to source additional support in order to prevent stress on the Society's financial reserves, and the project was ultimately rescued with support from the Stevenson Village Trust. In 2019, the large Pakuranga school house was restored with funding provided by lotteries commission. Significant work by a team of contractors and volunteers completed this vital weather proofing work which included repairs to the windows and weatherboards. COVID-19 response and temporary closure On 22 March 2020, the village announced that it was closing to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum and adjoining cafe, which operates under independent management, has since reopened at level 1. The village claimed $113,666.40 in wage subsidies for 21 employees as part of the New Zealand government's assistance scheme for businesses that suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. On 26 May 2020, the village reported that it had suffered serious financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, had cut staff, and was actively seeking financial support from Auckland Council and other agencies. It remained closed and made the majority of its paid staff redundant. It subsequently claimed a further $30,918.40 of public funding for its remaining seven paid employees as part of the government's Wage Subsidy Extension scheme. It was the only institution forming part of the Museums of Auckland group that did not fully reopen to the general public after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted across New Zealand. It was partially opened for private venue hire (including events and filming) and for school visits, but closed again when lockdown re-commenced on Wednesday 12 August 2020. The village continued to receive its usual annual public funding from the Howick Local Board, with $337,202 allocated for the 2020–21 financial year, but unlike some