Launching Auckland’s 175th birthday weekend

Come and celebrate the 175th anniversary of Auckland, from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 January.

Auckland Council and ASB are partnering to transform Shed 10 and Queens Wharf to give Aucklanders a glimpse into our past across the three days of Auckland Anniversary weekend 2015.

Mayor Len Brown says “Auckland is coming of age, and you can feel a renewed sense of pride in our place and ourselves. The 175th anniversary is an important milestone for us so we’re looking forward to celebrating with an event reflecting who we are and what makes Auckland proud.”

The centre-piece of the event is a large-scale, never-seen-before, immersive multimedia exhibition which is a tribute to Aucklanders who have played a significant part in the region’s history. The exhibition, produced by acclaimed Creative Director Mike Mizrahi, features stories told on screen about the people who have shaped Auckland; and stories of Tamaki Makaurau will unfold in a live story-telling zone.

Quay Street will be closed to traffic, and as people arrive on Queens Wharf they will walk through an historic archway designed to mark this significant moment in the city’s history. Then the wharf - including Shed 10 and The Cloud - will come alive with entertainment and historical displays that will take people back in time.

A highlight of the weekend will be Sunday evening’s free concert from the HMNZS Otago - berthed alongside Queens Wharf. Curated by Tama Waipara, a selection of bands will bring a local flavour to the celebration. The concert will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display from barges in the harbour and from the Sky Tower. All three days will feature buskers, a waka display in the harbour, photographic exhibition, vintage cars lining Quay St, markets, food vendors and more.

“Since Sir John Logan Campbell and James Dilworth opened New Zealand’s first savings bank in Auckland in 1847, the histories of ASB and Auckland have been inexorably linked,” explains Barbara Chapman, ASB’s Chief Executive.

“Given ASB has been a key part of Auckland for over 165 years, we are proud to be working with Auckland Council to celebrate with everyone Auckland’s amazing journey to becoming the world-class city it is today.”

Mayor Brown adds; “We want everyone to come join the celebrations as we look back at a rich history, celebrate our diverse cultures and acknowledge some of those who have made Auckland great.”

ENDS

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