The popular annual Auckland Heritage Festival is back with a varied programme of free events in Ponsonby from 26 September to 11 October 2020. With 13 fantastic local events on offer, it’s your chance to explore Ponsonby’s treasured heritage buildings and places, and join popular historians and tour guides who'll transport you back into time with amazing stories of our past.
It has been 100 years since Ponsonby’s postmaster Augustus Braithwaite was murdered. Not only did the crime cause a sensation in Auckland and beyond, but history was made with cutting-edge technology used to convict the criminal. Local historian André Taber takes you on this twilight walk to rediscover the events of that fateful evening. Learn about the ill-fated Augustus, his assailant, and the Ponsonby residents, both ordinary and official, who helped to solve the case. The walk starts and finishes at the Old Post Office. It covers some steep uphill sections. Sunday 11 October, 6.30pm-8.00pm.
Ponsonby presents: Guided Heritage Walk of Ponsonby
Join historian Edward Bennett as he leads you through the streets of Ponsonby, recounting some of the stories and secrets associated with the local people, places and architecture. Saturday 26 September, 10am-12pm and Saturday 10 October, 10am-12pm
Ponsonby presents: Allendale House Guided Tour (This event has been cancelled - go to www.iloveponsonby.co.nz for more information)
Salmond Reed Architect Peter Reed leads a guided tour of this magnificent villa and shares stories about the diverse people and cultures that once occupied it. Built in the early 1890s, today it is the home of Foundation North, the community trust for Auckland and Northland and remains a prominent landmark in Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Pasifika guided walk of Ponsonby with Rev. Mua Strickson- Pua
Join Samoan street historian Rev. Mua Strickson-Pua for a stroll along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby. There’s never a dull moment on this lively and fascinating guided walk. Hear about Pacific urban migration, working-class neighbourhoods, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, Polynesian Panthers, feminists, gay lesbian fa’afafine communities of hope, Pacific urban church history, schools of education, sports of the working class to street theatre, and Sione’s Wedding (the movie). Sunday 11 October, 11am -1pm, Meet inside Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Ticket to the furthest place on Earth
Hear stories and personal accounts of the early travellers who came to Tāmaki Makaurau, why they came, the vessels that carried them and the hazardous voyage they endured to make a new home in New Zealand. An illustrated talk presented by Edward Bennett. Wednesday 7 October, 6-7pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Getting Around: A Lecture by Edward Bennett
A brief history of the way our ancestors got from A to B from 1840 to 1940. Discover the stories about the earliest innovators of Auckland transport systems, and how they created infrastructure in 19th Century Colony and early 20th Century Dominion of New Zealand. An illustrated talk presented by Edward Bennett. Wednesday7 October, 7.30pm-8.30pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Victorian House Design and the stories they tell
Discover how early architectural pioneers communicated their craft and culture through their building design. Find out how the material, structure, form and detail on a building reveal their stories from the past. An illustrated talk presented by architectural designer and historian Edward Bennett.
Thursday 1 October, 6-7pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Inside the Victorian Villa
The interior of a Victorian villa is more than just a collection of objects. It's a reflection of the people, their lifestyle, and their personality. Join Edward Bennett for a fascinating photo lecture and discover stories on the home décor trends and styles of the period and the people who inhabited the villas. Thursday 1 October, 7.30-8.30pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby
Ponsonby presents: Victorian Gardens
Discover the stories of our beautiful parks and gardens created in the Victorian era and how colonial styles are reflected in their design. An illustrated photo lecture presented by Edward Bennett. Tuesday 29 September, 6pm-7pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: 20th-Century Gardens
Hear stories about the changing trends in garden design and landscaping, and the many different plants introduced by European settlers in the 20th Century. An illustrated photo lecture presented by Edward Bennett. Tuesday 29 September, 7.30pm-8.30pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: The Yanks are Coming
Tens of thousands of US troops were stationed in and around Auckland during World War II. Hear stories about their impact on both the locals and the city's built environment, and view previously unseen images about their time here. Presented by Dr Brian McDonnell. Tuesday 6 October, 6pm-7.30pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Auckland’s Treasured Old Pubs
It’s over 50 years since the legendary ‘6 o’clock swill’ ended for Auckland pub-goers. Discover the stories of our oldest pubs in the central city and inner suburbs - some notorious, some still standing, and others long gone. An illustrated talk presented by Dr Brian McDonnell with a feast of architectural images. Thursday 8 October, 6pm-7.30pm, Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road.
Ponsonby presents: Bishop’s Palace Guided Tour
Discover the stories and people associated with the 1896 Bishop’s Palace- a Category 1 historic building, identified as a place of outstanding heritage significance. This imposing residence is one of the country’s largest buildings intact from the Victorian era and has served as the home of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Auckland for over 120 years. Thursday 1 October, 11am-12.30pm and 2-3.30pm.
All events are free of charge, bookings are essential.
Visit www.iloveponsonby.co.nz for the full list of events in Ponsonby and to book your place.
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