The story of The Daring schooner recovered from the sands of Muriwai Beach and the Myth of Henry Swan are among the fascinating sessions at this year’s West Auckland Heritage Conference on 20 October.

Now in its fourth year, the theme of the 2019 festival is Destination West and will feature respected historians and archaeologists sharing the rich heritage of the area in the morning and a host of shorter workshops in the afternoon.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board member Sandra Coney says once again the conference will showcase some of the memorable stories from the area’s past.

Programme:   In the morning, enjoy presentations from keynote speakers including:

• Graeme Murdoch, who opens the conference with a talk about the history of the arrival of the Tainui waka
• Archaeologist Isaac McIver – shares the story of The Daring – a 153- year-old schooner uncovered in 2018 by shifting sands at Muriwai Beach. The emergency recovery and removal was carried out between tides and despite the weather and modern-day pirates with chainsaws – the board was removed safely and fully intact
• Auckland Libraries’ Heritage consultant Robyn Mason who delves in to “The Myth of Henry Swan” – did he actually make a world tour in his boat the Awatea like he said, or did he stay in the Henderson Creek for the 30 years?

Then join us for a catered lunch and swap stories and historical snippets with some of our speakers and attendees before enjoying an afternoon of short talks, breakout sessions and workshops at adjoining venues.

We are still finalising the programme, but it will include:

• Lisa Truttman – on Reverend David Hamilton, who in 1873 never returned from a horseback journey to conduct services in Whatipu. A search party eventually found his body down in a waterhole in Foote’s Creek near Whatipu Beach.
• Dame Barbara Harvey – on the last journey of many to the Waikumete Cemetery.
• Sandra Coney – on Piha Mill and its workforce, where did the men come from and why did they go all the way to Piha.
• Meredith Youngston – on the move and restoration of the Avondale Railway Station to Swanson.
• Te Uru director Andrew Clifford on painter Colin McCahon works “Journeys” includes a gallery talk and exhibition visit – introducing McCahon’s painting in a more informal way.
• Architect John Walsh – on Lopdell House’s colourful heritage and the modernist influences on its architecture.
• Poet and performer Sam Sampson will close the conference which will be followed by drinks and nibbles.