Heritage Talks and Events

The back view of a large seating gathering of people watching a presentation on a big screen

Monthly Heritage Talks

Our activities include monthly evening heritage talks at 7pm (February-November), where members and visitors can hear interesting speakers presenting on local and sometimes national historical content at the comfortable Waitakere Gardens Retirement Village Events Room, a short walk from Mill Cottage.

A koha donation can be made at the door and supper is provided at the completion of the talk.

People seating in rows watching and listening to a presentation

April talk: Kauri Gum History by David Pickens

The talk defines what kauri gum is, the many uses Maori found for it, and it's place in Maori mythology. Then in the 1840s the kauri gum industry opened up new opportunities for European immigrants, particularly the Dalmatians. By the 1980s, growing scarcity and emergence of synthetics all but ended the kauri gum industry.

May talk: A walk back in time, with Dennis Brown & Ian Roberts

The early years of the Auckland Tramping Club and huts in the Waitakere Ranges.
Dennis Brown, President of the Auckland Tramping Club and Ian Roberts present snapshots and anecdotes from the recently published book,100 Years with Boots and Pack, celebrating the 2025 centenary of the Auckland Tramping Club.

June talk: TRASH TO TREASURE
with James Duncan

The final part of the Auckland tram story…… one man’s efforts to try and save an Auckland tram right on the eve of the Auckland tramway system closing. His efforts stirred up other enthusiasts around the country which started a preservation movement in other New Zealand cities. Here in Auckland, it saw the formation of the museum we know today as MOTAT.