Porirua Cemetery, on Kenepuru Dr, is a beautiful place to visit.
Cemeteries and burial grounds may be peaceful places, but they hold a lot of stories about a place and its people.
When Cemeteries Week starts on 28 October, there will be the opportunity to learn more about Porirua’s cemeteries, as well as the chance to get a backstage look at our crematorium at Whenua Tapu, all for free.
Guided walks around the Pāuatahanui Burial Ground at St Albans Church and Porirua Cemetery on Kenepuru Dr will shed some light on the notable stories of people buried there.
The Whenua Tapu Crematorium open day will allow people to learn more about how the facility operates, and a cemetery tour will highlight some of the interesting facts about the place.
The events at the Pāuatahanui Burial Ground and Porirua Cemetery are also part of the Wellington Region Heritage Festival, which runs 23 October to 5 November with hundreds of events across the region, including four in Porirua.
Alongside the cemeteries events, the Pukerua Heritage Group will give a lively talk about early travellers and residents to the suburb.
There will also be Ode to Te Rauparaha, a 40-minute performance about Te Rauparaha, presented by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu.
“These events are a showcase of the heritage, culture and creativity of the people of Porirua, providing insights into our rich and varied history,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
Find out more about the Heritage Festival at: wellingtonheritagefestival.co.nz
Cemeteries and Heritage Week events (all free or koha):
Saturday 28 October, 10am – Pāuatahanui Burial Grounds walk with Mickey Reiley.
Sunday 29 October, 11am – Porirua Cemetery walk with Allan Dodson.
Sunday 29 October, 1pm – Whenua Tapu Crematorium open day.
Saturday 4 November, 11am – Whenua Tapu walk and talk with Cemeteries Manager Daniel Chrisp.
Saturday 28 October (Whitireia) & Saturday 4 November (Te Papa) – Ode to Te Rauparaha performance.
Saturday 28 October, 10.30-11.30am – Pākehā at Pukerua, 5 Wairaka Rd, Pukerua Bay.
10 Oct 2023
