Heritage Talks and Events
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where members and visitors can hear interesting speakers presenting on local and sometimes national historical content at the comfortable Waitakere Gardens Retirement Village Events Room, a short walk from Mill Cottage.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.
The History of the Motor Car in Auckland with Barry Birchall
7pm Wednesday 26 August @ Waitakere Gardens
Referencing his book published in 2021, Barry will tell the story of how the motor vehicle transformed Auckland, and how the barriers and obstacles presented by Auckland’s terrain and weather were overcome. Supper provided and koha appreciated.
Behold! The Mighty Wurlitzer! with James Duncan
7pm Wednesday 23 September @ Waitakere Gardens
The story behind the coming together of an eccentric English Organ builder and the Rudolph Wurlitzer Company in America to create one of the most versatile musical instruments ever devised by man! The story is told through a collection of fascinating video clips with background provided by James Duncan – Chairman of the Wurlitzer Organ Trust of Auckland who have in their care the historic Wurlitzer pipe organ from Auckland’s Regent Theatre in Queen Street. The presentation includes the New Zealand theatre organ story all wrapped up in just over one hour of music and entertainment.
Auckland Heritage Festival
We participate in the annual Auckland Heritage Festival where you can search What’s On in West Auckland and wider Auckland.
CookBookery with Te Radar
Saturday October 10, 6-8pm
Te Radar's show is a hilarious and heartwarming celebration of the beloved and bizarre cookbooks from New Zealand’s past, with a side of sumptuous vintage food photography.Alongside revealing New Zealand’s rich and very strange home cooking heritage, we’ll rediscover some of the weirder offerings from Auckland restaurateurs such as Hudson & Halls, Trouper Cooper, and the frankly extraordinary Logan Park Motor Hotel’s buffet team. You'll also be reintroduced to celebrity chefs like Graham Kerr, Alison Holst and Aunt Daisy.Why did we disguise mutton as poultry? Did Alison Holst really believe fried brains were the perfect food for children? And is the brilliant “Recipes With Canned Foods Are Interesting” the greatest cookbook written in the nation’s history? Fortunately, no food is served during the show.
From late August, visit heritagefestival.co.nz for the full list of events and programmes, or visit your local library for a printed brochure. For festival updates follow on Facebook @aklheritage.
Tickets Limited, book now https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/.../te-radars.../auckland
The Olives & The Vines Hafla
Saturday October 3 11am-1pm
Celebrate the Corban family’s Lebanese food and wine legacy in the Corban Estate Homestead. A. A. Corban’s great-granddaughter Sharon Corban Alexander will unveil the 2026 Heritage Wall, and lead a tour of the winery buildings.Learn how, in a new land, the Corban family first made a living from growing and selling fruit and vegetables, then grapes to make wine. They shared in a new food culture while preserving, in their everyday lives, their beloved Lebanese dishes and traditions.This event will conclude with a viewing of heritage Corban's promotional films and a taste of Lebanese food.The event is a collaboration between West Auckland Historical Society and Corban Estate Art Centre, and is part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2026, running from 26 September to 11 October. From late August, visit heritagefestival.co.nz for the full list of events and programmes, or visit your local library for a printed brochure. For festival updates follow on Facebook @aklheritage.
Free
All ages, all welcome
Parts of the tour will be outside, please dress accordingly and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain.
Not all areas of the Estate and its buildings are accessible, and the ground is uneven in places.
Image Credit: Khaleel, Zarefy and Annisie carry the message to Taranaki, Date unknown, Auckland Museum, PH-RES-3132
Contact us
Email info@westaucklandhistory.org.nz
Visit us
Henderson's Mill Cottage (see open hours below)
17 Sel Peacock Drive, Henderson
Auckland, New Zealand
Cottage Open Hours
Saturdays 11am-3pm (mid-Jan - mid-Dec)
Tour & School Groups - hours to suit
Entry by Donation or as arranged
