Parnell group celebrating fifth birthday

Parnell Heritage is looking to the future as it celebrates its fifth anniversary on Wednesday.

Chairman Rendell McIntosh says the society wants to establish a website, attract new members and involve more people in its various projects.

"In the long term we would love to have our own research centre where interested people can visit and learn more about the people and buildings of the area."

The society’s first meeting in 2005 at the Strand Hotel was attended by 33 people. Since then the society has grown into one of the largest in New Zealand, with more than 150 members.

"Our organisation has achieved a significant amount since we
commenced but there is still a lot more that we can do," Mr McIntosh says.

He says members have been involved in a wide range of activities including regular presentations, walks and talks, the annual children’s history competition, purchasing items relating to Parnell’s history, compiling an archival summary of the suburb and submitting submissions to Auckland City Council on zoning and protection for heritage properties.

"We are determined to achieve our original goal of preserving and protecting the people and place of Parnell, New Zealand’s first suburb established in April 1841."

Anniversary celebrations are being held at the Parnell Community Trust’s building at 7pm at a cost of $5 per person. Members and non- members are welcome.

Richard Simpson, who spoke at a Parnell Heritage in Crisis workshop in 2004, will give a presentation From the Waipapa Stream to the Harbour Bridge.

To attend the event call Victoria Woods on 377-8863 or email Victoria@parnellheritage.org.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News