Hooves on the Avenue: Transport focus for Whanganui Heritage Month

Whanganui Heritage Month will have a transport theme including horse-drawn vehicles this year. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui Heritage Month is scheduled for September and event co-ordinator Ann Petherick says there will be a special focus on the city's transport heritage this year.

"We want to celebrate Whanganui's incredible wealth of heritage transport," Petherick said.

"We have the riverboats, the tram, the Durie Hill Elevator, steam traction engines, cars and planes.

"This year, we will hold a parade through town that will include heritage farm transport, horse-drawn wagons, carts and bicycles."

Petherick said the Regional Heritage Trust was encouraging organisations and individuals with suitable events to join in the programme to celebrate or highlight any aspect of Whanganui's heritage and history.

"They don't need to be transport-related," she said.

"Tours, information seminars, exhibitions, cultural events and more are all welcome."

Heritage Month, which will run from Wednesday, September 1, until Sunday, September 26, coincides with Andram Theatre's The Phantom of the Opera production at the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

The heritage vehicle parade will take place in the city centre on Saturday, September 18, and will be followed by a display at the Wanganui Racecourse that will continue on Sunday.

Ray White Whanganui has signed on as the main sponsor for Heritage Month which is also supported by Whanganui & Partners, Four Regions Trust, Whanganui Community Foundation and Kiwiwebs.

Ray White general manager Philippa Ivory said the agency was delighted to support the celebration of Whanganui's heritage.

"It seems like a nice follow on from the beautiful homes competition this year," Ivory said.

"I love Ann's drive and enthusiasm for the heritage transport theme and last year's Heritage Month was a great success."

Petherick said Heritage Month was a great opportunity to celebrate buildings and sites reaching major milestones like St Paul's Memorial Church at Pūtiki which was recently awarded NZ Heritage Category 1 status.

Māori sites of significance include the numerous marae along the Whanganui River Rd to the settlement of Jerusalem.

Other heritage sites of significance in the programme include Bushy Park Homestead & Forest Reserve, Whanganui Regional Museum, Alexander Heritage Research Library, Heads Road Old Public Cemetery, the Sarjeant Gallery and the Royal Whanganui Opera House.

Anyone interested in hosting or supporting events can contact Ann Petherick at whanganuiheritagemonth@gmail.com or call 027 347 7533.