Learn about area’s local history
Ever wondered what Athenree looked like before the jewel in the northern Tauranga harbour was developed for housing?
Discover the history of Athenree, Bowentown and Waihi Beach through photographs, artefacts, oral history presentations and guided bus tours hosted by Marilyn Roberts and Ian Robinson and walks to be held from October 13 to 17.
The authentic account of local history shows how times have changed in the region covering the northern end of Waihi Beach, Island View, Bowentown, Athenree, Mayor Island and the mining area. There will be local speakers sharing their accounts of the past with personal photographic collections from local historians Mike Fowler, Andy Kennedy, Gloria Kingsford, Wendy Sellers and Graham Harley. There are also displays from local clubs, some founded as far back as the 1930s.
Community Heritage co-ordinator for the Western Bay Sandra Haigh is the story collector for the district from Waihi Beach to Pukehina. She said she and her team need locals to share their knowledge and stories.
“Our communities have a treasure trove of stories and we would love to share them with the whole district.”
Through sharing local history from pre-Colonial to pioneers is key to demonstrating different communities every year.
“People will find that we are not isolated but are all linked,” she said.
This year the focus is on Waihi Beach, Bowentown and Athrenree, next on the list is Maketu.
The history event, which opens on Saturday, October 6 at the Waihi Beach Community Centre, is community driven by Waihi Beach, Bowentown and Athenree Historical Committee and sponsored by Western Bay Community Archives as part of Western Bay of Plenty of Plenty District Council.
Programmes covering the five days are available at The Centre — Patuki Manawa, Arts Junction, Western Bay Museum and the Waihi Beach Information Centre.
To register email waihibeachmarilyn@gmail.com or phone 07 863-4326.