Monday 13 September 2010

Come and celebrate 125 years of historic conservation on North Head

What better way to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the military structures on North Head than with guided tours, military bands and big guns!

The Department of Conservation (DOC), in association with the Royal New Zealand Army, the Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland Band, is inviting the public to join them for a day of festivities on Sunday September 19 from midday to 4pm.

The event is part of both the Auckland Heritage Festival and Conservation Week celebrations.

“Many people don’t realise the Department is responsible for the conservation of a huge amount of our cultural heritage” says DOC Auckland Area manager Brett Butland

“North Head is a perfect example of Auckland’s cultural heritage and this occasion is the perfect way for us to promote this amazing place and its heritage values to the public,” he says.

“DOC manages most of our coastal defence sites in Auckland and across the country – along with a significant number of historically significant sites ranging from railway viaducts to rock art.”

The day’s activities will include guided tours of the summit battery (usually closed to the public), activities and games for the family, historic war re-enactments and a military band performance from 2pm to 3pm. The grand finale will be a performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, complete with the firing of four of the Army’s Howitzer guns and North Head’s very own 8 inch disappearing gun.

The engineers who designed North Head, as part the costal defence system have recently been recognised by the Heritage Board of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ). As part of the anniversary’s festivities a plaque will be unveiled by President Garry Macdonald to commemorate their achievements.
“We have received an enormous amount of support from a number of agencies, volunteers and individuals to help make these celebrations a success,” says Mr Butland.

The event is in partnership with: The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery; the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland Band; the Royal New Zealand Army 11/4 Battery, 3rd Auckland (Ranfurly's Own); the Northland Battalion Group; pyro-technician Gunner Ashford; the World War II Historical Re-enactment Society; the Armed Constabulary Re-enactment Group; the Historic Forts of Auckland Society; the Institution of Professional Engineers NZ; Devonport Rotary and the Devonport library.

Background information

In response to growing fears of a Russian attack, work began in 1885 to build a fort on North Head to help defend the Waitemata Harbour. Although the attack never eventuated, North Head became the jewel of Auckland’s coastal defence system.

The Barracks building was completed in 1885 to house the armed constabulary as they began work on the fortification of North Head. Two years later, the building was converted into a prison to house 40 prisoners who completed the fortifications.

North Head enjoyed a military presence right through to the 1990s and has seen a number of developments over the years. Today the DOC-managed reserve is complete with tunnels, searchlight emplacements, military timber buildings and gun batteries. For more information about North Head see www.doc.govt.nz

Transport to the event
There is very limited parking available on the reserve and in surrounding streets. We encourage the use of public transport to get to the event.
For discounted Devonport ferry fares, ask for the ‘North Head celebration special fare’ (25% discount) at any Fullers ticket office (ph 367 9111) or book online via the saver seat section (select Devonport tickets) at www.fullers.co.nz

North Head is a pleasant 25 minute walk from the Devonport wharf. Or you can catch a "Devonport Tours" mini-bus from the wharf to the lower carpark on North Head. There will be a continuous service from 10am on the day. Cost: $2.50 return per adult.

Conservation Week 12-19 September – www.conservationweek.org.nz
New Zealand’s premier annual conservation event. This year’s focus is on showing how much you love New Zealand. Take part in events and activities, watch conservation programmes on TVNZ 6 and share your photos and comments online.

The Auckland Heritage Festival - Auckland Heritage Festival website
This event is part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2010, 18 September - 3 October. See the website for information on other heritage events.

ENDS

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