AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

5 September 2007

Old is the new new

It won’t just be new designers showcasing their collections on the catwalk in Auckland as fashion fever hits the city in September.

There will be a rare opportunity to see private vintage fashion collections from the 1920s to 1940s paraded in the majestic setting of the Civic Theatre’s Winter Garden as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival.

Hats, jewellery, gloves, bags and other accessories from 1860 to 1960 will also be on display at Highwic house in Newmarket.

The Auckland Heritage Festival runs from 15 to 30 September and includes more than 150 events celebrating Auckland’s unique social, built and natural heritage, most of which are free.

Some of the beautiful historic homes and buildings across Auckland will open their doors to the public during the festival including Braemar, Cotter House, Allendale House, Alberton, Highwic, Armanasco House, Ewelme Cottage, Kinder House, Monte Cecilia Pah Homestead, Panmure Stone Cottage and Onehunga’s fencible cottages.

Guided walks and tours will also appeal, with topics of interest ranging from historic golf courses and art deco delights, to significant city cemeteries and celebrated streets that have evolved over the years.

There will be plenty of on-the-water activity, with trips to intriguing historic sites on Motuihe, Motutapu, Waiheke and Rangitoto islands, as well as sailings on a square rigged heritage vessel and boat tours of the city’s port and harbour.

The history of brewing in New Zealand and Sir John Logan Campbell’s brewing legacy, including his ownership of Domain Brewery which merged to become Lion Brewery, is also commemorated during the festival with an exhibition at Cornwall Park.

Chair of Auckland City Council’s Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee, Councillor Christine Caughey, says the large number of events this year demonstrates the commitment and passion that programme contributors have for sharing the stories of local areas with the wider public.

“I encourage both young and old to look twice and see Auckland from a new perspective this September as the festival brings alive the times and places of yesteryear,” she says.

The full programme of events is available at www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/heritagefestival or can be requested by phoning 379 2020. Bookings are essential for many events.

The Auckland Heritage Festival is produced by Auckland City Council and is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to protect heritage areas and buildings.

The festival also receives support from New Zealand Community Trust, Heritage Auckland, Solid Gold 93.8fm and Radio Live 100.6fm.

Ends

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