25 September 2009

Peace and conflict theme for Beca Heritage Week

Get set to discover places of the past, places of peace, and places with special meaning for Christchurch’s heritage.  Doves and Defences: Discover Christchurch in Peace and Conflict is the theme for Beca Heritage Week 2009 which runs from 16 to 26 October.

This year’s Beca Heritage Week features over 70 events that explore how peace and conflict have shaped Christchurch with activities ranging from exhibitions, tours and lectures, to concerts, dance and film events.
The week opens with the premiere of a documentary that looks back over the past 150 years of the Second Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Battalion Group. The documentary made specifically to support this year’s theme will be screened at the Christchurch Art Gallery throughout the Week and is one of several key events sponsored by the Christchurch City Council.

Other key Council events include ‘Swing Time In Christchurch at the Air Force Museum’. This event presents the chance to take a seat amongst the planes and enjoy a 1940s style radio broadcast in between big band and swing dance performances.

The Bailies Bar Heritage Week Quiz Night promises to be a fun-filled night with the Court Jesters on board to entertain in between quiz rounds. ‘Windows into our Past’ is an exciting collaborative event between Council, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and Canterbury Museum in which 14 historic buildings around Christchurch will house plasma screens showcasing images and footage from Canterbury Museum and National Archives

A compelling exhibition titled Never be afraid: A New Zealand soldier’s story to his niece of life in a prisoner of war camp provides a unique account of the day-to-day activities of Dudley Muff, a New Zealand prisoner of war held in a German prisoner of war camp. The exhibition, at Our City O-Tautahi, runs 13 October until 21 November.

Community event highlights include a guided walk of Onawe Pa which was the strategic position of defence for Ngai Tahu during the northern raids of Ngati Toa, peace and plants in the Botanic Gardens, and the New Zealand Army Band performing in Cathedral Square.

The aim of Heritage Week is to raise awareness of the part Christchurch and its citizens have played in both peace and conflict, to celebrate important anniversaries and to recognise how this has shaped the city and its heritage.

Craig Price, the South Island regional manager of key sponsor Beca, said the company was  proud to be involved with the celebration of Christchurch’s  rich heritage. “We very much hope that the Week introduces our young people and new Cantabrians to our fascinating past, as well as reminding the rest of us of Christchurch’s special places and stories.”

Beca Heritage Week is sponsored by Beca, the Christchurch City Council, the Canterbury Community Trust, The Star and NewstalkZB.

ends

© Scoop Media