Heritage et AL

Back in the day, Auckland had its only version of New York’s Coney Island - a fully functioning amusement park on the waterfront complete with dodgems, a roller coaster, stalls and sideshows. The equipment had come from the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, a world fair that ran in Dunedin from 1925-1926. Held at Logan Park, it was most spectacular in the evening when lights highlighted the growing use of electricity. According to Te Ara , it was the most popular exhibition in New Zealand’s histor y.   Note the "scenic railway" to the right in the image below. Image: Comprehensive view of the exhibition at Logan Park Dunedin, 1926. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19251126-43-1. At its closure moves were afoot to take advantage of the sideshows and thus was born the idea of an Auckland Luna Park. Luna Park was in fact the name of the very first amusement park on Coney Island, New York.  Reclaimed Harbour Board land was chosen  although not ...

The waterfront has changed much over the years and some parts more so than others. The selection of heritage images below shows you the views you would have experienced throughout the early 1900s   Mechanics Bay and Hobson Bay: Ref: 1-W1309, looking east from the Ferry Buildings down Quay Street East and over Mechanics Bay, 1912, Sir George Grey Special Collections Ref: 1-W1368, looking north east from the Cargen Hotel showing Beach Rd (right foreground) and reclamations in Mechanics Bay (left), 1913, Sir George Grey Special Collections Ref: 1-W1858, showing men breaking down Campbell's Point for the new railway outlet with Quay Street East on the right, 1927, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Yes, it's that time of year again when we celebrate Auckland's distinctive heritage! This year the festival runs from 28 September to 13 October and has around 240 events and activities organised by over 180 groups and organisations , many of which are free and will keep all ages amused. Contributors include Auckland Libraries, museums, historical societies, art galleries, historic homesteads and lighthouses, and events include trails, tours, workshops and talks. Ref: 2013 Auckland Heritage Festival logo The key themes around which events have been created are:: Auckland’s waterways, including the land and sea Celebrating our heritage,  including Auckland’s distinctive built, cultural and natural heritage Learning and encouragement, such as workshops and lectures.  Ref: 4-434, comparison of the Auckland waterfront in 1852 with 1900, c.1900, Sir George Grey Special Collections The public open weekend on the 28 to 29 September marks the start of the festival. Thi...