Looking forward to looking back

Guided walking tours, like this one led by Cambridge ward counicillor Roger Gordon, were a popular feature of last year’s heritage month.

Waipā history will be the focus of February for the district.

Libraries and Te Awamutu Museum will host walks, talks, displays and creative workshops from 2 February to 3 March.

Strategy and community services group manager Debbie Lascelles said a likely highlight of Heritage Month would be the walking tours.

“The walking tours, back by popular demand, are a fantastic opportunity for residents to get out and about in our amazing district to learn more about what makes our towns unique.”

The walking tours will be run in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi, with town experts sharing their knowledge of buildings and landmarks.

Te Awamutu Museum has developed two scavenger hunt activity trails around Te Awamutu to highlight historic and heritage landmarks around the town.

“These self-guided trails are a great family-friendly activity, allowing parents and children to take their own time exploring the district.”

Several heritage talks are also being held across the district to celebrate Heritage Month.

The first talk is based on the book The Plough of the Pakeha by Eric Beer and Alwyn Gascoigne, at the Cambridge Library on February 9.

The event will be hosted by Waipā councillor Roger Gordon and Greg Gascoigne, the son of Alwyn Gascoigne.

Historian Alan Hall will speak at the Te Awamutu Library on February 17 about Te Awamutu’s iconic buildings.

Residents can also share their knowledge of commercial buildings at public displays in the Te Awamutu Library and Cambridge Library.

Te Awamutu Museum is running creative workshops to support learning and understanding of Māori culture and its place in our nation’s history.

Two workshops about the Tī Rākau Stick Game are on February 6. Participants will design their own tī rākau and learning waiata and movements.

Residents can also learn how to make a Māori design badge at two workshops on February 8. The workshops cost $5 and are open to all ages and skill levels.

To find out more and view the full list of activities and workshops and book places go to waipalibraries.org.nz and tamuseum.org.nz.

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