It confirmed this week Norcombe Barker, the son of its owner and a listed director of Larnach Castle Ltd for more than 30 years, no longer held the position.
According to company records, Mr Barker officially ceased the role last Tuesday.
He was appointed in August 1991.
Mr Barker declined to comment when contacted yesterday.
Owner Margaret Barker — who bought the castle with her late husband in 1967 — also declined to comment and referred the ODT to a company spokesperson.
In a statement, a Larnach Castle Ltd spokesperson said it was "with regret’’ they advised that Norcombe Barker had ceased to be a director of the company.
"Norcombe’s passion and dedication to the castle has been immense.’’
The castle and gardens would continue to operate under the leadership of general manager Adrian Clifton, with the guidance of the board of directors, while all day-to-day operations and bookings would continue as normal.
"Our focus remains on supporting our team and, together, ensuring an exceptional experience for all visitors.
"The company will also continue its long-term project of restoration, preservation and enhancement of New Zealand’s castle for future generations.’’
The spokesperson declined to answer questions about why Mr Barker was no longer listed as a director and the grounds on which his position ended.
Mr Barker is not the first of his family to leave a role at the castle.
His sister and Dunedin City Councillor Sophie Barker worked at the castle for decades but left in 2007. It is understood this was due to family tensions.
In a post on social media in 2021, Ms Barker said she was heartbroken not to be invited to the castle’s 150th celebratory dinner.
"I spent 40 years there only to have the rug pulled from under me.
"Broken families, broken hearts. Some might say the explosive unhappy Larnach Legacy lives on 150 years later.’’
Ms Barker declined to comment on her brother’s departure when contacted yesterday.
"I’m just not going to comment. It’s upsetting.’’
