170 days ago

Illustrated Talk: Ferdinand Hochstetter’s 1858-59 visit to Auckland, and his associations with Alfred Buckland

Highwic from Highwic - Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga

Join us for an illustrated talk by local historian Bruce Hayward about Austrian geologist Ferdinand Hochstetter.

The diary of his stay in Auckland in early 1859 has recently been discovered, transcribed and translated. Known as the ‘Father of New Zealand geology’, Hochstetter (1829-1884) is best known for his wonderful map of Auckland’s volcanoes.


In addition to his geological, botanical, zoological and ethnological observations, his diary documents the weather, the people he met and the places he went prior to his major expedition on foot through the centre of the North Island.

Alfred Buckland, the owner of Highwic, was among the prominent political and society figures he met at the time. Hochstetter stayed with him on several occasions, and together they undertook a three-day trip on horseback.

When: Saturday 23 August

Time: 2pm

Cost: Normal entry (Free for HNZPT Members, Adults $10, Children free)
Bookings: Please email highwic@heritage.org.nz to book.

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More messages from your neighbours
2 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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3 days ago

Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”

We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?

Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.

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Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
  • 41.5% Yes
    41.5% Complete
  • 33.6% Maybe?
    33.6% Complete
  • 24.9% No
    24.9% Complete
586 votes
24 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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