24 November 2004

Kawau slips into the nineteenth century

Crinoline and waistcoats will be the fashion of the day at the Kawau Island historic carnival on Saturday 4 December.

Following from the success of last year's event, the Department of Conservation and local community are holding another carnival to celebrate the island's notable nineteenth century history when former governor Sir George Grey lived in Mansion House valley.

DOC community relations officer Liz Maire said the carnival was a way to bring the history of Kawau Island Historic Reserve to life.

"It's a chance for people to dress up and enjoy a Victorian day out in this beautiful reserve."

The reserve, one of the most significant heritage sites in the country, is associated with copper mining in the 1840s and Sir George Grey in the second half of that century.

The event also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the re-opening of Mansion House, which has had a chequered history. The Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Board began restoring the house in 1977 after it had fallen into disrepair. The swimming pool and other modern additions were removed to return the house to how it was in Grey's time.

The historic carnival runs from 10am to 4pm and will be an affordable, fun family day. Activities include a period costume competition with great prizes, historic ship displays, Victorian music hall acts, string quartets, folk dancing, pony rides, old fashioned children's games, treasure hunt, raffles, arts and crafts, and wine and food stalls.

Entry to Mansion House is free for the day and discounted boat transport ($15 return) will be available throughout the day from Sandspit, near Warkworth.

A Fullers Ferry ($20 adult, $10 child return) will also leave Auckland (Down Town ferry terminal) at 9am and return to Auckland at 4.45pm.

There will be no eftpos on the island so people are asked to bring cash and small change.

ENDS

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