Auckland Council invites all Aucklanders to explore Pacific ties at the upcoming Auckland Heritage Festival, which runs from 28 September to 13 October, with the theme of Moana Oceania.
Returning for its 20th year, the two-week festival includes talks, walks, exhibitions, performances, and workshops right across Tāmaki Makaurau. It offers the opportunity to explore and commemorate the region’s Pacific history and heritage. This year marks important anniversaries such as the 50th anniversary of Niue self-government. It also recognises the historical impact of the dawn raids on Pacific communities 50 years ago.
“How we define heritage continues to evolve and change, as we learn more about the rich tapestry of our city”, says Councillor Julie Fairey, deputy chair of the Auckland Council Community Committee.
“The Auckland Heritage Festival aims to highlight how heritage influences the character and quality of Auckland’s places and landscapes from maunga (mountain) to moana (sea). This year’s theme, Moana Oceania, gives us all opportunities to better understand and celebrate the many ways Pacific cultures have enriched Tāmaki Makaurau and laid out the foundations we stand on today”.
Auckland Council Heritage Manager Noel Reardon says there will be something on offer for all to enjoy at this year’s festival and emphasises the importance of heritage for the region.
“Our heritage is incredibly valuable and it’s important to make an active effort to share stories and traditions with our rangatahi. Understanding our past not only paves the way for a better future, but also helps keep culture and traditions alive,” Mr Reardon says.
“We’re very excited to shine a light on our Pacific communities this year and look forward to the events that showcase our Pacific ties through history,”
“Auckland Council has now been running this annual festival for 20 years, and it’s always inspiring to see such dedicated event hosts and a positive turnout year-on-year. One of the many great things about the festival is the range of activities – it lends itself to a wide audience as there’s always something for everyone.”
“I encourage Aucklanders to consider an outing with friends and whānau, perhaps with tamariki over the school holidays, and explore all that the Auckland Heritage Festival has to offer.”
Visit Auckland Heritage Festival for the full programme of 130 free or low-cost events that will run between 28 September – 13 October 2024 throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
Event highlights include:
Guided Pasifika Heritage Walk of Ponsonby
Take a stroll with charismatic Samoan street historian Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby. Hear about Pacific urban migration, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, the Polynesian Panthers, and much more.
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