The Ponsonby People’s Union was established in early 1972 at an old shop in the Western Park buildings (since demolished) at 15 Ponsonby Road says spokesperson Roger Fowler.
The Ponsonby Peoples Union 50th anniversary event will be held from 6pm on Sunday 9 October at the Ponsonby Community Centre, 20 Ponsonby Tce. This free event, which will include refreshments, displays, presentations, and the launch a commemorative book project, is part of the 2022 Auckland Heritage Festival. The Ponsonby People’s Union was established in early 1972 at an old shop in the Western Park buildings (since demolished) at 15 Ponsonby Road says spokesperson Roger Fowler.
The Union ran a food co-op, which soon became very popular, slashing the cost of fruit and veges and some locally sourced grocery items. They offered advice and advocacy on tenancy and civil rights issues (like a CAB), and free bus services for visitors to Paremoremo Prison each Saturday, and Waikeria Prison each month. The Ponsonby People's Union mobilised the community in support of tenant’s rights, such as halting evictions and fixing substandard housing. They worked closely alongside other organisations such as the Polynesian Panthers, ACORD and Ngā Tamatoa to defend civil liberties and against harassment and the Dawn Raids etc.
They published 22 editions of the ‘Ponsonby People's Union Community Information Service’ free newspaper. They ran a child care programme, and many local campaigns for the community. Members of the Food Co-op supported these activities.
The Ponsonby People's Union closed in 1979 with the pending demolition of the block and the trend to gentrification of the area and the migration of families to South Auckland.
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Enquiries: roger.fowler@icloud.com
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