- By Bianca Day, AUT Journalism Student
East Auckland locals with keen interest in history may want to peruse the Polish Heritage Trust Museum in Howick in October.
Celebrating the Auckland Heritage Festival, the local museum is launching two unique exhibitions connected with this year’s festival theme Moana Oceania.
The museum was founded by John (Janek) Roy-Wojciechowski and his late wife Valerie in 2004.
It’s a “hidden gem” of Howick, showcasing the deep-rooted stories of the Polish community in New Zealand.
This year holds even greater significance as November marks the 80th anniversary of the arrival of 733 Polish children, including John Roy, and more than 100 caregivers to New Zealand as Second World War refugees.
Lynette Kingsbury has been with the museum for almost 10 years and says it’s delighted to take part in the Auckland Heritage Festival for another year.
“It’s a fantastic way for us to reach a wider audience and educate people on the history of the Polish people in New Zealand,” she says.
The Polish Heritage Trust Museum will host two fascinating exhibitions for the festival, an educational film, talk, and guided tour about the Polish children entitled 80 Years of Polish Children in the Pacific.
Tickets are $10, which includes a cuppa, and will be held on October 3 from 10am-midday and October 13 from 2-4pm.
The museum also presents Polish Explorers of Oceania, an exhibition showcasing the work of Polish ethnographers, naturalists, and travellers.
Running to October 13, this exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from midday-5pm, with entry by donation.
More information about the 120-plus events for the Auckland Heritage Festival can be found at https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/tags/auckland-heritage-festival/
