Presented by Auckland Council, the much-loved Auckland Heritage Festival returns from 23 September – 8 October with the theme of ‘Peace, Love and Protest’ – marking 50 years since anti-nuclear protests were embraced by the nation.
Sail aboard Breeze, the brigantine that stood in for Rainbow Warrior on the 1985 peace flotilla to Moruroa; get a sneak peek inside historic St James Theatre to find out how campaigners plan to save this grand old building; or send along your older tamariki / children and rangatahi / teenagers to learn how to make an effective protest poster with award-winning cartoonist Toby Morris.
With over 160 events – many of which are free or low-cost – taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau, Mayor Wayne Brown is delighted to invite residents and visitors to join the festivities.
“The Auckland Heritage Festival is a unique journey through our city’s rich history that acknowledges our heritage and shares the stories of our beautiful region,” he says.
“‘Peace, Love and Protest’ focusses on Auckland’s more recent history, adding a modern twist to the festival that reflects the dynamism of our ever-evolving community.”
With walks, talks, vintage markets and an afternoon tea or two, there's plenty on offer to interest everyone and learn about the generations of Aucklanders who have shaped the Tāmaki Makaurau we know today.
Take a look at our shared history with performances and films celebrating the 80th anniversary of Cornwall Hospital at Cornwall Park, see a selection of protest images at Auckland Pride Centre, and don’t miss a rare opportunity to go inside Donner House, the home of Auckland’s first ever city architect Tibor Karl Donner.
The list could go on – and it does! Check out our picks for ‘Best of the Fest’ on OurAuckland and see the full list of events on the Auckland Heritage Festival website.
Auckland Heritage Festival runs from 23 September – 8 October across Tāmaki Makaurau.
