On Monument hill behind the homestead are the graves of James
and Eliza Reid. They are in separate enclosures surrounded by
wrought iron fences.

Eliza died unexpectedly in November 1942 aged 61 following an
operation. She had outlived her husband James by 34 years.
Following James' death in 1908, Eliza stayed on Motutapu
maintaining an interest in the farm right up until her death.

Her grave is marked by a an engraved granite headstone
and edging and covered with white mosic tiles

In the summer of 2010, Mt Roskill school children discuss with their teachers what life might have been like for Eliza living on Motutapu in the 1900's.

James died at the Homestead in 1908 after a short illness. He was aged 71. His grave is sited in front of Eliza's and includes an impressive granite urn on a column and base

 Late in 1943, the majority of Motutapu was taken under the Public Works Act for Defence purposes.

In September 1943, the Public Works Department completed an agreement with the Reid children, Florence Jean Loomans and Helen Elizabeth Buining to purchase 3212 acres (1300 hectares) for 50,000 pounds. This area comprised the whole of the island except for the Homestead block of 392 acres (159 hectares).

In December 1943 this remaining 392 acres was acquired by the government for 10,200 pounds and so ended the 73 year Reid family association with farming Motutapu.

An area of approximately 0.5 acres (0.2 hectares) incorporating the graves on Monument is all that is now retained by the Reid family. This is the only land remaining in private ownership on the island.