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There was an enthusiastic turnout at a public meeting earlier this month to discuss next year’s celebrations to mark the founding of Warkworth by European settlers 170 years ago.
About 30 people attended, representing various groups interested in being involved in a year-long calendar of events.
Coordinator Dave Parker, on behalf of Heritage Mahurangi, said the year would culminate with a heritage festival in November.
The festival programme is likely to include a river pageant, walking parade through the decades, heritage walks and talks, a sister town reception, a founders’ graveside ceremony and special church services.
Parker says 2023 will be a special year for a number of organisations. It will mark milestones such as 160 years of formal district-wide education, 160 years since the arrival of the Bohemians in Puhoi, 150 years since the start of the Morrison and Kowhai Glen Orchards, 145 years since the founding of Wilson Cement Works, 140 years since the founding of the Warkworth Brass Band, 100 years since the founding of Bowls Warkworth and 40 years since the founding of the Warkworth Theatre Group.
There will also be some major events taking place such as the opening of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway and the Matakana link road, the opening of the Presbyterian Church and Community Centre, and the Lions 202K District Convention in late October.
Parker says he wants the celebrations to be as inclusive as possible, so the meeting agreed to adopt the theme of ‘Past, Present and Future’.
“We would really love to see young people involved, from kindergarten to college,” he says. “It’s important that they understand what the heritage of the district is.”
Parker says he would also like to see the whole of the Mahurangi district involved, from Puhoi to Matakana, Leigh and Pakiri.
“It’s about coming together as a community in a spirit of goodwill and celebration.”
The organisers are asking anyone with ideas or celebrations they know about to contact them before mid-February so the year can be coordinated onto a calendar.
Info: Dave Parker dhparker@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 484 9935.
