Celebrate people and cultures from all over the world that have made Tāmaki Makaurau the diverse city it is today at the 2018 Auckland Heritage Festival.
This year’s festival theme is Ngā iwi o Tāmaki Makaurau – Celebrating the heritage of our people, bringing together the heritage stories of the many different communities that make up Auckland.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to learn about some of our lesser-known heritage stories: the Venetian sailor who came with James Cook on the Endeavour in 1769 and the Italian immigrants who followed at Dall'Altra Parte Del Mondo (To the other side of the world).
Explore the sacred spaces of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation synagogue, the Bharatiya Mandir Hindu Temple and Ponsonby Mosque. Discover stories of Avondale's Chinese Market Gardeners from the Ah Chee family to the latter days of these enterprises, or take the Oratia Wild Walk on the trails of Te Kawerau a Maki, gum diggers and Dalmatian settlers.
Head north to see Documentary: Anote’s Ark to learn about our Kiribati communities or hear the fascinating stories of the adventurous Scots at Migration, Enterprise and Scottish Culture: Scots in Auckland’s North.
Take the Karangahape Fiafia Walk to discover the Pasifika peoples’ stories through poetry, oratory, music and dance or join Te Ara o Karangahape: The Path of Karangahape to explore the history of Karangahape and Māori in the area.
Discover the stories of some of the unique individuals from Auckland’s heritage; take a lively look at Meet Devonport Peninsula’s Military Men, join the Bishop's Palace Guided Tour for a rare glimpse inside, walk with the Ghosts of the Past in the George Maxwell Memorial Cemetery or hear about Arthur Purchas: Man of a Thousand Hats - “the most gifted man ever to come to New Zealand”.
To mark the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in New Zealand, events such as Wāhine Take Action and Women of Karangahape Road will also look at the influence of our women who led their communities.
For a unique experience, join the Augmented Reality Historic Tour of Uptown, or take a Guided Tour: Historic Fort Takapuna - a fort that guarded Auckland against Russian invasion in the 1880s. Tickle your heritage taste buds at the Waiheke Community Heritage Feast, learn Auckland’s waterfront history on a Heritage Harbour Trip on Nautilus or go behind the scenes in the players’ tunnel at the Eden Park Heritage Tours.
Councillor Cathy Casey, Chair of the Community Development and Safety Committee, is pleased to see the Auckland Council festival rediscovering the heritage stories of the many different people, communities and cultures that make our city what it is today.
“This year the Auckland Heritage Festival offers Aucklanders the opportunity to learn about the diverse stories that make up Auckland’s heritage. Bring a friend or take your whānau to some of the many free or low-cost events across the region - from exhibitions and walks to talks, tours and school holiday activities.”
Auckland Heritage Festival is brought to you by Auckland Council. Visit heritagefestival.co.nz for a full list of events or pick up a programme from Auckland Libraries or selected cafes.
