Tag: heritage new zealand

“Northland’s WWII military spots to be recorded” Heritage New Zealand Media Release (2017)

October 20

MEDIA RELEASE

Northland’s WWII military spots to be recorded

Two Northland volunteer researchers are banding together to undertake a heritage inventory identifying places in Northland associated with World War II.

Jack Kemp of Kerikeri and Dr Bill Guthrie of Doubtless Bay have had a long fascination with the strong military presence that was stationed in Northland during the conflict, and are undertaking an inventory of military camps and other sites before they are lost.

“During the early 1940s there was a proliferation of military camps in Northland associated with the US Marines who were going to be sent to fight in the Pacific,” says Heritage New Zealand’s Northland Manager, Bill Edwards.

“The people associated with these camps have mostly passed on and the collective memory of these camps is disappearing. Evidence of these places is also often quite ephemeral – so it’s important to record them now.”

Jack has been involved at Santo with the proposed WWII museum there, while Bill Guthrie is a former professor at the University of Macau whose Father-in-law was a bomber pilot at Guadalcanal and whose father served in the Medical Corps.

Athough it’s still early days for the project, some of the initial research undertaken by Jack has already paid off.

“We were recently advised of a new subdivision planned for west of Kamo near Whangarei. We cross-checked against information that had already been gathered on the area and it turns out that the subdivision will be built on the site of what was the C1 Marine camp,” he says.

“The story of the Marines in Northland is not particularly well known, so this provides an opportunity to mark the history of the area through street names and possibly interpretation so that people will be able to understand the story of what went on here over 70 years ago, and the enormous impact that had on our history.”

The two volunteers are starting with military camps, though the inventory is likely to expand to include other World War II sites in Northland including airfields, bunkers and gun emplacements.

“The history of the Second World War is relatively recent, though in some ways that makes it all the more vulnerable to loss. We can’t take it for granted, and instead have to be proactive and record as much information as we can about this important part of our heritage,” says Bill.

“This project is timely and important.”

Anybody with any information about military bases in Northland during World War II, or other related information, can contact Bill Edwards on bedwards@heritage.org.nz or Ph 09-407-0471.

“Christmas Garden Festival coming up at Highwic”: Heritage New Zealand Media Release (2017

November 2

MEDIA RELEASE

Christmas Garden Festival coming up at Highwic

Highwic’s Christmas Garden Festival (November 18-19) will offer something for everyone – and some great fun for children in particular.

Best of all the Festival is free for everyone this year.

The timeless charm of the annual spring garden extravaganza at Highwic – the historic mansion cared for by Heritage New Zealand in Newmarket – will serve as a backdrop to a number of attractions that will appeal to kids of all ages.

“On the Saturday morning (November 18) we’ll kick off with our ‘Make a Christmas Garden’ competition for children. We’ll supply materials for kids to have a go at making a mini-garden, or if they prefer they can bring one they’ve made at home,” says the Manager of Highwic, Cheryl Laurie.

“Children will also be able to enjoy performances by Cherry the Clown giving parents the perfect opportunity to sneak away and do some Christmas shopping on-site at the Highwic Christmas Shop.”

Other entertainment will include performances by the Albany Ladies Choir on Saturday afternoon, a pipe band and Carols by Ukulele throughout Sunday.

“The annual Highwic Christmas Garden Festival has become a ‘must attend’ for Auckland’s keen gardeners, and as always there will be plenty to interest growers,” says Cheryl.

“This year we have flower arrangements throughout Highwic house and the grounds, as well as plant stalls which are always very popular. Dr Keith Hammett will also lead a series of Garden Tours around the grounds, which have proven to be a regular favourite over the years. At $5 per person the tours are great value, though numbers are limited.”

Highwic has also been working with the For The Love of Bees project, to become Auckland’s first inner city organic park. Festival goers will be able to see the beginnings of a pasture painting by Newmarket school in the orchard. These plantings of bee friendly plants will be food for the two beehives which will be installed in early November.

The Highwic Christmas Garden Festival takes place on November 18-19 (10am-4pm). Admission free. For programme details check the Heritage New Zealand website:  http://www.heritage.org.nz/news-and-events/events/garden-festival

HPA AGM 2017: PROGRAMME OF AGM WEEKEND EVENTS Timaru, 3 – 5 November, 2017 Hosted by the South Canterbury Historical Society

Patron: Dame Anne Salmond, DBR, FRSNZ, FBA 2013 New Zealander of the Year

PROGRAMME OF AGM WEEKEND EVENTS
Timaru, 3 - 5 November, 2017
Hosted by the South Canterbury Historical Society (more…)

“Highwic’s organic park the bees knees” Heritage New Zealand Media Release

 

 

 

September 21

MEDIA RELEASE

Highwic’s organic park the bees knees

One of Auckland’s much-loved historic places is joining the For the Love of Bees project and making plans to become the city’s first urban Organic Park.

The aim will be to create a 1.1 hectare biological sanctuary for Auckland’s precious bee population.

Apiculture New Zealand has declared September ‘Bee Aware Month’ – which couldn’t be better timing for the ambitious project according to Cheryl.

“We’re excited that Newmarket Primary School students will be designing some ‘Pasture Paintings’ for Highwic in time for spring,” she says.

“The geometric organic plantings that transform passive green space into active green space, making them more productive for bees and other wildlife, are part of the For the Love of Bees tool kits that are being used across the city to provide safe food for bees. On September 28 students from Newmarket Primary School will start laying out their planting designs at Highwic.”

The high point will be on October 27 when the bees will be formally welcomed at Highwic, and the students will sow seeds into the shapes they have created in the orchard, eventually providing sustenance for the bees during spring and summer. It will also be good advance prep for Highwic’s Christmas Garden Festival (November 18-19).

“We’re looking forward to being part of the For the Love of Bees Project, and also partnering with the Tree Croppers Association on the orchard restoration project, and the Compost Collective in establishing Highwic as a compost hub,” says Cheryl.

This collaboration is being supported by Parnell Rotary and and Enviroschools, Sustainable Schools and Auckland Council. The drawing together of community groups is a key factor in the For the Love of Bees project.

“As well as supporting our bee population – and improving the overall quality of Highwic’s gardens, soil and orchard – we hope to show that a few key initiatives can have a really positive impact on our natural environment; and that everybody can make a difference.”

Highwic is open Wednesday to Sunday, 10.30am-4.30pm. For more information visit heritage.org.nz

People can learn about other collaborations on their website, www.fortheloveofbees.co.nz

 

“Sun, Sand, Surf – and a fascinating history of the Far North” Heritage New Zealand Media Release (02:10:2017)

 

 

 

October 2

MEDIA RELEASE

Sun, Sand, Surf – and a fascinating history of the Far North

People wanting to learn about the heritage of the furthest reaches of the Far North can hop on a bus and explore the ‘top, top half’ of New Zealand in an exciting day trip.

The ‘Ninety Mile Beach and Inland Excursion’ leaves Kaitaia at 9am on October 14 and returns 5-6pm.

The Harrison’s chartered bus will drive up Ninety Mile Beach (a public highway) and explore some of the historic places of the area – including the Wagener homestead, the Waipapakauri Hotel with its colourful past, and the site of Norman ‘Wizard’ Smith’s shed – which once housed his world speed record breaking car Enterprise – and its connection to Charles Kingsford Smith’s sixth Trans-Tasman flight.

The tour will be led by Heritage New Zealand’s Northland Manager Bill Edwards and other Northland staff who will talk about different aspects of the Far North’s history.

The cost of the day-trip is $40 per person or $45 for non-Heritage Northland Inc members. Spaces are limited and bookings are essential with payment necessary by October 6. For more information phone Merle Newlove (09-439-7492) or Peter Williams (Ph 09-439-0822).

 

 

“Four in a row for Pompallier Mission” Heritage New Zealand Media Release (23.06.2017)

Scott Elliffe at Pompallier Mission. (Image sourced Heritage New Zealand

 

 

 

June 23

MEDIA RELEASE

Four in a row for Pompallier Mission

One of the Bay of Islands’ favourite tourist destinations has won a Trip Advisor Certificate in Excellence.

Pompallier Mission, the historic building in Russell which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand, is the recipient of the coveted award for the fourth year in a row. Only one percent of visitor attractions world-wide received the award this year.

“I’m thrilled for the site, but most importantly I’m delighted for the Visitor Hosts who work here so tirelessly to deliver a great experience,” says the Manager of Pompallier Mission, Scott Elliffe.

“What the award signals is a consistently high level of visitor engagement. It really is a ‘people’s choice’ award – and the pinnacle in visitor endorsement.” (more…)

(St Francis Xavier Catholic Church) “Second life for historic church” Heritage New Zealand Media Release (09.06.2016)

St Francis Xavier Catholic Church – now the Russell Chapel on the Olive Grove – is enjoying a second lease on life.
(Image source Heritage New Zealand)

"A historic Northland church that was deconsecrated and sold to private owners as a result of a dwindling congregation is enjoying a second life.

"St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, originally built in Kawakawa in 1875, was relocated to Uruti Bay near Russell in 2012 by Jo and Ross Blackman, and has been re-purposed as a wedding venue – now known as ‘Russell Chapel on the Olive Grove’.

The Media Release is as follows: (more…)