Fortnight-long festival reflects on the value of our historic places

Last week was the launch of the Wellington Heritage Festival in the restored Public Trust Building in Wellington.

The panel discussion and focus group afterwards was a chance to reflect on the value of historic places, culturally and environmentally.

Nikau Wineera, who grew up in Paekā kā riki and is now Mā ori Ward councillor on the Wellington City Council, was one of the exceptional panel who reflected on the pressures on our historic places and the importance of preserving our heritage.

One of the fantastic aspects of Kā piti district is the access we have to our own rich cultural heritage. From the Ō taki Museum to the Kapiti US Marines Trust at Queen Elizabeth Park, these locations and stories allow residents and visitors can explore the past. The Wellington Heritage Festival will be a chance for locals and visitors to experience this rich history.

Organised by the Wellington Heritage Festival Trust and Rotary clubs of Wellington, the festival brings together over 100 events across the region from October 23 to November 5. Local heritage groups and organisations will be open alongside exclusive events.

In Waikanae you can visit the Kā piti Coast Museum, which is in the old Post Office on Elizabeth St, where there’s a new exhibition featuring historic home entertainment.

The Wellington Tramway Museum will be operating and Steam Inc in Paekā kā riki will have its engine shed open — this really is a great opportunity to see how locals used to get around. A lot of these activities and events will be popular so it pays to be in touch with the group in case you need to book a space.

The opening of Toi Mahara this weekend is included in the festival, and is also a momentous event in its own right.

The result of decades of work, the building honours its past by using aspects of the original building, and the final design honouring and building on that character.

The opening event features a formal blessing, the opening of the first exhibitions, and some great entertainment.

Visit the Toi Mahara website for more information.

To find out more about the Wellington Heritage Festival visit wellingtonheritagefestival.co.nz and for more on our local history check out kapitiheritage.org.nz