PONSONBY PRESENTS

Unity Talanoa      *FULLY BOOKED*

For people who grew up in inner-city Auckland in the 1970s, children were playing on the streets until sunset and your neighbours were from the Pacific Islands. These were the days when Ponsonby was affectionately known as Little Polynesia.

Experience the Pasifika journey in central Auckland first-hand – from Dawn Raids to acceptance as part of Aotearoa’s landscape. Explore how Pasifika individuals represented themselves, through sports, music, art, poetry, academia and other disciplines.

Presented by Pasifika Historian Sofi Ulugia-Pua, this discussion promises to be enlightening and thought-provoking. Multimedia presentations include archival news footage from the period, providing an insight into a significant chapter of Polynesian heritage in Ponsonby.

Venue
Studio One Toi Tū, 1 Ponsonby Road

Date
Saturday 5 Oct, 11am – 1pm

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential

PONSONBY PRESENTS

Queer Conversation with Edward Cowley     *FULLY BOOKED*

Join us for an enlightening evening in the company of Pasifika and Aotearoa icon, Edward Cowley.

Explore local and personal heritage as Edward shares stories from the days before homosexual law reform. From insights into queer life in Ponsonby to the ups and downs of navigating drag culture within the Pasifika community, expect lively conversations filled with humour and thought provoking accounts.

Hosted by Community Advocate Michelle Mascoll, this evening offers a colourful depiction of a man who rose above the ordinary to shine as a star.

Venue
The Longroom, 114 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Date
Wednesday 2 Oct, 7pm – 8:30pm

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential

PONSONBY PRESENTS

Fa’E: a Musical Tribute

Be transported on this personal journey through song, celebrating Polynesian heritage. Throughout his life, opera singer Jack Bourke was inspired by the generosity of the women who supported his Tongan family from childhood. This musical programme is an acknowledgment of these women.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of music and storytelling with Jack Bourke and accompanist Helen Lukman-Fox.

It’s a rare opportunity to hear a world-class singer share stories about his fascinating heritage.

Date
Saturday 28 September, 2pm – 3pm

Venue
Ponsonby Baptist Church, 43 Jervois Road

Entry
Koha appreciated

Bookings preferred or you can just turn up.

PONSONBY PRESENTS

Guided PASIFIKA Heritage Walk       *FULLY BOOKED*

Take a stroll with charismatic Samoan street historian Reverend Mua Strickson-Pua along Ponsonby Road and discover the Pacific urban history and stories of Ponsonby.

Hear about Pacific urban migration, dawn raids on overstayers, the Springbok Tour protest, the Polynesian Panthers, and much more.

Starting Point
Meet outside the Pacific Island Presbyterian Church
2 Edinburgh Street, Newton

Date & Time
Saturday 12 Oct, 10am – 11.30am

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential

PONSONBY PRESENTS

Auckland’s Treasured Old Pubs

It’s nearly 60 years since the legendary ‘6 o’clock swill’ ended for Auckland pub-goers. Discover the stories of our oldest pubs in the central city and inner suburbs, some notorious, some still standing, and others long gone.

If you love history, architecture or just a good pub tale, come along for this illustrated talk with a feast of architectural images, presented by Dr Brian McDonnell.

Venue
Studio One Toi Tū, Room 10, 1 Ponsonby Rd

Date & Time
Thursday 3 October, 6pm – 7.30pm

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential

PONSONBY PRESENTS

From Pacific to Tasman – Auckland’s Historic Tram System

Electric trams began service in Auckland in 1902 and, by 1939, there was a 71km network which included a ‘coast-to-coast’ route from Queen Street to Onehunga.

Learn about the construction and development of this much loved public transport system through a host of fascinating facts and photos. Presented by Dr Brian McDonnell

Venue
Studio One Toi Tū, 1, Ponsonby Road

Date
Thursday 10 Oct, 6pm – 7.30pm

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential

PONSONBY PRESENTS

Guided Heritage Walk of Ponsonby, with Edward Bennett

*FULLY BOOKED*

Join us on a tour of Ponsonby where we’ll uncover the scandals, secrets, and curiosities that make this area unique.

Walk through the charming streets of Three Lamps and St Marys Bay, while learning about the area’s rich architectural heritage and social history. Discover its ‘Little Polynesia’ past and hear intriguing tales of local personalities and delve into the scandals, secrets, and curiosities of the area.

Whether you’re a visitor, new resident or a long-time local, prepare to be amazed by the stories and hidden gems of Ponsonby!

Starting Point
Meet outside the old Ponsonby Post Office, 1–3 St Marys Road, Ponsonby

Walk Dates
Saturday 28 Sep: 10am – 12pm  *FULLY BOOKED*
Saturday 5 Oct: 10am – 12pm  *FULLY BOOKED*
Saturday 12 Oct:  10am – 12pm *FULLY BOOKED*

Entry
Free

Book your place online now – bookings are essential