‘An opportunity to do something together’
Heritage Month ~ Southland Times Article 21 Feb 2025
Louisa Steyl
"I have a real passion for creating points of connection with our local stories," Heritage South's Senga White says.
Sometimes, that's a child on a walking tour recognising the tree their parents were married under, other times it's a Chinese migrant smelling familiar cooking that reminds them of home, opening a conversation about their own heritage.
"Just because people haven't lived here all their lives doesn't mean they can't find connection in the place they now call home," White said.
There will be heaps of opportunities for both newcomers and born-and-bred Southlanders to connect with each other and the region's history during Heritage Month.
White is the heritage projects manager for Heritage South and said there was so much happening in March she couldn't fit it all into the Heritage Month brochure.
"It's amazing to see the heritage community coming out," she said.
The programme includes a mix of perennial favourites along with new events, like the Hokonui Pioneer Village and Museum's bridal exhibition and the opening event at the historic First Church in Tay St on March 1.
White said she wanted to create an event that was suitable for all ages with active participation – "some heritage events can be quite passive" – and so, the Community Sing – Our Songs, Our Stories afternoon was born.
Southlanders are invited to connect over a cuppa before joining in for an old-fashioned family sing-along featuring classics people may remember their grandparents singing.
"There's joy in raising your voice with others and that's what I'm hoping people will get from it," White said. "It's an opportunity to do something together."
This year's programme also includes more history talks, which remain popular.
"People love the Stories of Southland [events]. They love to hear the stories of the olden days and people who lived 100 years ago.”
Former H&J Smith archivist Vicky Henry will take people on a journey from the store's humble beginnings to its closure in 2023, complete with stories from behind the scenes.
Dr Sally Dobbs will explore the lives of the Pioneering Nurses of Southland and Lloyd Esler will present on the early days of whaling in the region.
Family genealogist Wendy Shaw will talk about the legacy of Southland politician and entrepreneur Joseph Hatch, who harvested penguins and elephant seals for their oil on the subantarctic Macquarie Island.
"Knowing Wendy and the depth of her research, that will be really interesting," White said.
A full list of events is available on Heritage South's newly launched online heritage calendar. Heritage South will end the month with an event for those involved in Southland's heritage community where they can share challenges and ideas as they start planning for next year's events.
Heritage South projects manager Senga White had a hard time fitting all of this year's Heritage Month events into one brochure.
Kavinda Herath, Southland Times