With ‘Life 100 years ago’ as its theme, we have several guided walks lined up in Porirua in the coming days.
Cemeteries Week held from 30 October – 7 November will focus on how people had to recover after the Spanish Flu pandemic killed about 9000 New Zealanders in 1918. Like today, the pandemic led to serious challenges for the community.
“It’s something we can take courage from and inspires hope in me - how our community a century ago successfully met the challenges of rebuilding their society after the impact of a pandemic and of course the Great War,” says Porirua City Mayor Anita Baker.
This year our storytelling sessions and guided tours will shine a light on what it was like for Porirua residents as they dealt with such a tumultuous period in history.
Cemeteries Week begins 1pm at Porirua Cemetery, Saturday 30 October, with a talk about what life was like for residents as they looked to face the pandemic, while recovering and rebuilding after WWI.
On Sunday 31 October (10.30am) and Saturday 6 November (1pm) the focus shifts to the rich history that lies within the burial grounds at St Alban’s Church in Pāuatahanui.
The first is a remembrance walk, where you will hear from a local expert about some of the notable people, including early settlers, who are buried there.
The second, meanwhile, will be a talk about pioneers and local iwi.
The closing event for Cemeteries Week is a guided walk on Sunday 7 November at 1pm at Porirua Cemetery. Visit notable graves and find out how sickness and war affected local residents.
“I encourage people to come along to learn more about this area’s lively history and heritage,” Mayor Baker says.
A week later, the unveiling of the Services Memorial to fallen soldiers will take place at Porirua Cemetery on 11 November at 1pm.
“This memorial is a fantastic centrepiece to add to what we already have at this special place for our city,” she says.
28 Oct 2021
