Howick Historical Village facts for kids
Puhi Nui Homestead in Howick Historical Village
|
|
| Established | March 8, 1980 |
|---|---|
| Location | Pakuranga, Auckland, New Zealand |
The Howick Historical Village is a special place in Auckland, New Zealand. It's like a living museum where you can step back in time. The village shows what a New Zealand colonial village looked like. It uses real buildings from the past. Even though it's called "Howick," it's actually in Pakuranga.
Contents
Village History: Stepping Back in Time
The idea for the Howick Historical Village started in May 1962. A group of people who loved local history got together. They formed the Howick Historical Society.
The village began to take shape in 1972. The Bell House was offered to the Society. The local council then gave five acres of land next to it. This land would be used to create the village. Later, it grew to seven acres.
It took eight years to build the village. Volunteers worked hard to make it a living museum. Many old buildings were given to the Society. They were all moved to the village. The money for this work came from selling Christmas cards and cakes.
Opening the Village
On March 8, 1980, the Howick Colonial Village officially opened. Allan Highet, a government minister, opened it. He did this for Governor-General Sir Keith Holyoake. Sir Keith was not well that day. When it first opened, the village had fourteen buildings.
Later, its name changed to Howick Historical Village. More than 30 buildings were added. A pond and old-fashioned gardens were also created.
The village gets its money from different places. This includes entry fees and money from events. Donations also help. The Howick Local Board provides some funding too.
Since 2016, the village has been used for filming. The YouTube group Viva La Dirt League uses it as a set.
How the Village is Run
The Howick Historical Village is owned and run by the Howick & Districts Historical Society Incorporated. This group is a registered charity.
Anyone can become a member of the Society. You just need to pay a yearly fee. Members get to choose a board each year. This happens at their annual meeting. The board includes a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and up to seven other members.
Visiting the Village
The village is open almost every day of the year. It's closed on Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Good Friday. You can visit from 10 AM to 4 PM. The last entry is at 3 PM.
Live Days and Special Events
On certain "Live Days," volunteers dress in old costumes. They act out daily life from Victorian New Zealand times. This helps visitors imagine what life was like long ago.
School groups often visit the Museum. It's part of their learning outside the classroom. The village is also a popular place for weddings. People use the church for ceremonies. The historic Bell House is used for celebrations. You can also rent the village for filming movies or shows.
Restoring Old Buildings
Many restoration projects have happened at the village over the years. The buildings are made of timber. They need a lot of ongoing work to keep them safe and strong.
Sergeant Ford's Cottage Restoration
In 2016, work began to restore Sergeant Ford's Fencible cottage. The New Zealand Lottery Grants Board helped with money. During the project, more damage was found. The foundation needed extra repairs. This added $30,000 to the cost.
The village faced money problems because of this. They needed more help to finish the project. The Stevenson Village Trust stepped in to provide support. This saved the project.
Pakuranga School House Repairs
In 2019, the large Pakuranga school house was restored. The lotteries commission provided the funding. A team of workers and volunteers did important work. They made sure the building was protected from the weather. This included fixing windows and wooden boards.
