You’re invited to discover the lands, people, and history of the Pacific at the 2024 Auckland Heritage Festival.
This year’s theme ‘Moana Oceania—the great connector’—links the Pacific nations to Tāmaki Makaurau. Explore and share stories, traditions and influences that have shaped Auckland’s identity while marking important anniversaries such as the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the dawn raids on Pacific people, and 50 years of Niue self-government.
There are multiple exciting events happening across Parnell for you to check out!
Parnell Changes Through the Ages
Saturday 28 September 2024—Saturday 12 October
Parnell Library
Explore Parnell through the ages! Parnell Library invites you to enjoy a display of thoughtfully curated heritage images. This exhibition is designed to take you through a time warp, revealing what Parnell looked like from the days of its earliest settlers and oldest buildings, right up to today.
The Lush Family and the Pacific
Saturday 28 September—Sunday 13 October
Weekends 10.30am-4.30pm
Ewelme Cottage
Take a wander through ‘Hands across the water’, an exhibition of historic photos and artefacts from the Lush Family Collection. Throughout the late 1800s, members of the Lush Family had a strong connection with the Melanesian Mission. This was a project driven by Bishop Selwyn and the Anglican Church to bring the teachings of Christianity to the Pacific Islands.
While visiting Norfolk Island, the headquarters of the mission in 1880, Anne Lush was to meet her future husband, David Ruddock. Ewelme Cottage has a fascinating collection of historic photographs showing images of Pacific Islands and their peoples, as well as items – both functional and decorative – and memorabilia made from the timbers of the mission ship the Southern Cross. This special display will only be available during the festival, come join us at Ewelme Cottage for a trip to our Pacific past.
Louise Lonsdale-Cooper Parnell 1970's Photograph Exhibition
Saturday 28 September—Sunday 13 October
12pm-3pm
John Kinder House
Come and enjoy a trip down memory lane at the historic John Kinder House in Parnell. In the early 1970s, Louise Lonsdale-Cooper, then Louise Wilson, a student at Elam School of Fine Arts, photographed buildings, people and scenes in Parnell, Auckland’s oldest suburb.
Parnell Heritage is hosting the exhibition launch of these unique photographs, taken over 50 years ago. All are welcome at the launch event on Saturday 28 September, 2pm-4pm, refreshments will be served. Admission is free or koha is much appreciated. The exhibition continues at John Kinder House until 13 October.
Parnell Heritage Walks—St Stephen's Chapel
Tuesday 1 October
10am-12pm
Meet your guide outside the Jubilee Building
The Village Square Trust presents this series of heritage walks that weave through the oldest suburbs of Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland. Follow in the footsteps of those who made the city what it is today.
With a renewed focus on natural landscapes and hidden treasures, our storytellers celebrate their local heritage. Step back in time and follow the journeys made by the people of Auckland’s past. Visit the historic chapel of St Stephen and learn about prominent early settlers buried overlooking Judges Bay.
Explore Takutai Street where Bishop George Augustus Selwyn and his fellow missionaries used to tread, and stroll down Domain hill, once a site of flourishing kumara crops for local iwi. Led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides, there are six heritage walks to choose from.
Sustainable Conservation of Pacific Art and Heritage
Thursday 3 October
6pm-8pm
Studio Izzo
The team at Studio Izzo talk about their experiences working with Pacific artists on their artworks and more. As part of its everyday activities, Studio Izzo receives many items including those from public art galleries and communities.
The talk explores some of these items, their meanings, and sustainable conservation methods for Pacific treasures. You are welcome to bring your own objects to discuss—the team is keen for questions about your treasures!
Port of Auckland Bus Tours
Friday 4 October
Thursday 10 October
Port of Auckland, 1 Sunderland Street, Mechanics Bay
Behind the iconic red fence at the waterfront, Auckland’s port is a place of incredible activity, trade, local and international connections. Join the Port of Auckland team for a behind-the-scenes tour of the port.
Jump on board a bus and travel under cranes, around our wharves and see how the port employees ensure you get the goods you want and need everyday. Entry criteria apply—Port of Auckland is a Customs Controlled Area.
Anyone over 16 must have ID with them. Children under 16 must have a guardian with them. No ID, no tour. Arrival instructions will be emailed to you prior to your visit.
Parnell Heritage Walks—Streams and Gullies
Saturday 5 October
10am-12pm
Meet your guide outside the Jubilee Building
The Village Square Trust presents a series of heritage walks that weave through the oldest suburbs of Auckland.
With a renewed focus on natural landscapes and hidden treasures, our storytellers celebrate their local heritage. On the Streams & Gullies Heritage Walk, explore the gullies of Parnell and follow the streams that run through the hidden native bush.
Led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides, there are six heritage walks to choose from.
Parnell Heritage Walks—Auckland Domain
Saturday 5 October
2pm-4pm
Auckland War Memorial Museum
The Village Square Trust presents a series of heritage walks that weave through the oldest suburbs of Auckland.
Follow in the footsteps of those who made the city what it is today. With a renewed focus on natural landscapes and hidden treasures, our storytellers celebrate their local heritage. Take an informative wander through Auckland Domain. You’ll explore the history of New Zealand’s oldest park and the site of one of its oldest volcanoes, Pukekawa.
Led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides, there are six heritage walks to choose from.
Parnell Heritage Walks—Ewelme Cottage
Tuesday 8 October
10am-12pm
Meet your guide outside the Jubilee Building
The Village Square Trust presents a series of heritage walks that weave through the oldest suburbs of Auckland. Take a stroll to the grounds of Ewelme Cottage and admire this fine example of an early Victorian colonist’s cottage and garden.
Meet your guide Dianne Northcott outside the Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Road. Led by experienced and knowledgeable local guides, there are six heritage walks to choose from.
