News Release

24 September 2012

Inaugural Sir John Logan Campbell Lecture

Mayor Len Brown is initiating a new annual lecture to honour the memory and legacy of the ‘father of Auckland’, Sir John Logan Campbell.

The inaugural lecture, on Friday at the Auckland Town Hall, will be given by New Zealand’s pre-eminent Sir John Logan Campbell scholar, Emeritus Professor Russell Stone.

The annual Sir John Logan Campbell Lecture will provide a contemporary reflection on Auckland’s development, while referencing our past.

“I am delighted the inaugural lecture is being delivered by Professor Stone. He has done some stunning work introducing and annotating Sir Logan Campbell’s own words in the fascinating Poenamo Revisited,” says Len Brown. “He has an extraordinary insight into the highlights of Sir Logan’s Campbell’s life and how contemporary Auckland relates to his legacy.”

“Poenamo and Poenamo Revisited are both books I return to frequently, for insight into Auckland’s early days and development, and inspiration for guiding it into its future.”

Councillor Sandra Coney, chair of the Parks, Recreation and Heritage Committee welcomes the establishment of the annual lecture.

“This lecture honours the legacy of Sir John Logan Campbell and the inaugural event marks the centenary of his death,” says Councillor Coney. “We are keen that these lectures are a dynamic blend of good research and intellectual rigour, are entertaining, challenging and engaging, and connect our past, present and future.”

Professor Stone says Sir Logan Campbell was a prototype Aucklander and Auckland leader.

“Although Auckland at the time of his death was only one-fifteenth of the size of our modern city, his life is closely relevant to the Auckland of today. Auckland has always attracted people in search of a fresh start, like Campbell himself. He was also the forerunner of Aucklanders who have given their vision and their wealth to our landscape, our cultural life and our city,” says Professor Stone.

“He was associated with the city’s major financial enterprises, held a variety of important political posts, and was indefatigable in promoting educational and artistic activities. He was also Auckland’s most munificent benefactor, including his gift of Cornwall Park, which many regard as the best appointed and most picturesque urban park in the land.”

The Inaugural Sir John Logan Campbell Lecture is in the Reception Lounge, Level 2, Auckland Town Hall on Friday 28 September, at 7pm (people are asked to arrive at 6.45pm for a prompt start). Entry is free although bookings are essential.

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