Cornwall Park | spring events programme

spring events programme

Welcome to our spring events programme for September to November 2024.

Cornwall Park starts to awaken during these months; flowering colours sprinkle the grounds making it a great time to join our events.

This spring our annual trading cards are back with some new, some old, and some limited edition ones up for grabs at Huia Lodge Discovery Hub! We have some art workshops focusing on natural treasures, and popular guided walks including geology, botany, spring gardens and ecology identification.

All our events are FREE to attend, though some may need you to register as we have limited numbers. All registration links are provided, but if you run into any trouble flick us an email at info@cornwallpark.co.nz or give us a call on 09 630 8485.

Print version available here

September

Guided Walk: Spring Gardens

Discover the amazing work of our horticulture team and learn how they create colourful bursts of blooms in Cornwall Park's historic and modern garden beds and plantings.

Exhibition: Cornwall Park Recreation Heritage

Sir John Logan Campbell gifted Cornwall Park to the people of Aotearoa New Zealand as "a place of public recreation and enjoyment." Step, walk, run, or wheel back in time to discover how visitors have spent their recreation time in the park since it opened to the public in 1903.

The park is your canvas of recreation from our resident sports clubs to everyday strolls, from cycling tree-lined paths to tranquil bird watching, or from capturing the landscape in paintings to snapping family photos. Explore our recreational heritage in this new Huia Lodge Discovery Hub exhibition.

Saturday 7th September to Saturday 23rd November
Open daily 10am - 4pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub can be found next to the Cornwall Park Bistro in the middle of the park. Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.

This event is part of Auckland Council’s Auckland Heritage Festival 2024, 28 September to 13 October. From late August visit heritagefestival.co.nz for the full list of events. Print programmes are available at Auckland Libraries from 9 September. For festival updates follow on Facebook @aklheritage.

Image: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19071121-10-01

Tamariki Discover: Spring

Join us on an exploratory walk through Cornwall Park, where curious minds will discover special taonga (treasure) in the park.

The walk will concentrate on experiencing the park using our five senses. Adventure through groves of trees, scout fascinating insects and explore big root systems all while learning about the park.

Suitable for 5-12 years old and caregivers must accompany children on the walk.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this guided walk please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz

Sunday 15th September
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West park gates.

Cornwall Park Trading Cards

For every visit to Huia Lodge Discovery Hub during the school holidays, you can choose a trading card to take home with you - no age limits! If you want more than one, complete our activity sheet to receive a whole pack.

With each card, you can learn about Cornwall Park fauna and flora, heritage, our farm, and activities you can do while in the park or at home. You can also play Snap with all the cards!*

Saturday 28th September - Sunday 13th October
10am - 4pm
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro). Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

INSIDER INFORMATION!: One super special limited edition card will be available at Heritage Day: Recreation on Saturday, 28th September, from 11am to 2pm. This card will only be available on this day! All you need to do is find one of our staff members to collect a card on the day.*

*while stocks last - get in quick!

Tamariki Imagination: Heritage

This guided adventure, led by our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team, will spark tamariki imaginations and curiosities about the park's heritage highlights. Together we will explore snapshots of our history in a unique and fun way as we travel through time.

Suitable for ages 4+, grown-up participation is encouraged. Most of this experience will take place indoors, with a short walk around our heritage buildings.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this guided walk please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz.

Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Monday 30th September
10am - 11am
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro) access via Green Lane West.

October

Guided Walk: Hospital Heritage

Join our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub team for a walk exploring the highlights of Cornwall Park's hospital heritage.

Cornwall Park was home to three different hospital units, the United States Army 39th General Hospital, National Women's Hospital and Cornwall Hospital Geriatric Unit. It served the people of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland until 1973.

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 13th October
10am - 11am
Location: Start from the Band Rotunda, near the cafe from the left of the main roundabout. A map will be sent to participants. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Image: Whites Aviation Collection, Alexander Turnbull Library

Workshop: Finding, making and returning natural treasures for kids

This workshop invites kids on a journey to uncover treasures hidden in nature and collaborate to make new treasures inspired by their findings. Together they will merge the essence of nature's treasures with creative expression.

The workshop is run by the author of "Finding Grace | Kimihia a Grace", Emma Hinton. Emma will read the book during the workshop to help kids dive into their imagination. Then they will explore the park for fallen treasures that they can use as a group to make a piece of art, before returning it to the land, celebrating the cycles of life and interconnectedness. Let's make art together with nature!

This workshop is for children ages 7+ and their caregivers. Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Part of this workshop will involve foraging outdoors if weather permits. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Saturday 19th October
10am - 11.30am
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

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About your guide Emma Hinton

Emma Hinton, an experienced storyteller and facilitator, shifted from a 25-year film career to publish “Finding Grace Kimihia a Grace” a bilingual picture book. So began, “The Light Library," where she curates workshops and books to nurture fellow creatives and rediscover her Ngāti Maniapoto roots. She lives in Waitākere, Auckland with her daughter and serves as a Celebrant, sharing real-life stories. Passionate about the power of story in shaping the future and how we thrive now.
www.thelightlibrary.com

Guided Walk: Geology

Join Dr Bruce Hayward for a guided walk and delve into his wealth of knowledge about Maungakiekie geology. The walk will slowly ascend Maungakiekie via the road and circumnavigate the crater rim, reaching the summit for views over the whole volcanic field before returning to Huia Lodge. The guided walk will explain how this volcano erupted and how the various features and rocks were formed. This walk is crafted for people who are new to the world of geology. It is suitable for all ages who can walk up Maungakiekie via paved roads and walkways.

Note: the terrain is steep and uneven underfoot in some places where we will go off-road - prams and wheelchairs are not suitable for this walk. Children must be accompanied by caregivers and dogs are not permitted.

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 20th October
10am - 12.30pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

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About your guide Bruce Hayward

Bruce is a semi-retired Auckland research geologist. He has authored/co-authored 25 books on aspects of New Zealand’s fossils, geology, marine ecology, conservation, archaeology and history including a field guide to Auckland and two books on Auckland’s volcanoes. He is a past President of the Geological Society of New Zealand, and a former member of the New Zealand Conservation Authority, the Auckland Conservation Board and the Auckland Institute and Museum Council. His studies and conservation advocacy have been recognised in Fellowship of the Royal Society of NZ and Member of the NZ Order of Merit. He has presented over 300 talks for the public and led over 400 field trips around Auckland and to all parts of New Zealand.

Guided Walk: Farm

Join our farm manager for an educational walk through our farm. You will learn about the farm's history, the livestock and what our farmers do daily.

The walk may go through paddocks and turnstiles, it is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Please dress appropriately (things may get muddy) and bring water with you. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Wednesday morning.

No dogs are permitted on this walk.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this guided walk please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz

Wednesday 23rd October
11am - 12pm
Location: Meet at the Haha Wall. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Guided Walk: Botany

Join Botanist Ewen Cameron for a guided walk looking closely at the season’s flowers (small and large) of native plants. Plant family characters will be pointed out. The walk will slowly descend to the native arboretum on the lawn, returning to Huia Lodge via Sir John Logan Campbell's 1870s ‘Grand Avenue’.

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 27th October
10am - 11am
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro. Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

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About your guide Ewen Cameron
Ewen is a recently ‘retired’ Auckland botanist, after working 32 years as curator of botany at the Auckland Museum. Over the last four decades, he has authored/co-authored many articles and papers on aspects of botany, ecology and conservation of northern New Zealand’s flora involving both native and naturalised plant species. He is an active member of the Auckland Botanical Society, including as president for 20 years. He served two terms on the Auckland Conservation Board, one as chair, and was awarded the Department of Conservation’s Loder Cup in 2005.

November

Guided Walk: Rongoā Māori

This guided hikoi (walk) will provide a peek into the world of Rongoā Māori through the native rākau (trees) of Cornwall Park. Emma will explore key concepts, philosophies, principles and processes that create the foundation of this traditional healing practice. While you can't harvest in the park we hope this experience will inspire your garden. Note the terrain is steep and uneven underfoot in some places.

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 3rd November
10am - 12pm
Location: Meet at the Grotto, near Auckland Archery Club. A map will be sent to participants.

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About your guide Emma Haslam

Emma is of Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Hauā descent and has worked supporting Donna Kerridge in her Rongoā Māori Practice for the past six years. She has also trained with prominent Rongoā Māori experts Rob McGowan and Atarangi Muru. Emma’s passion for Rongoā Māori is unrelenting. She is competent in the arts of karakia, Māori bodywork and plant medicines.
Love Papatuanuku https://www.facebook.com/profi...

Workshop: Earth Art

Join us for a hands-on workshop with tutor Jocelyn Watkin, where you will create your piece of earth art (sometimes known as a nature mandala). You’ll make mini sculptures, shapes and designs with leaves, twigs, petals, and other natural materials that have fallen from trees.

Through guided activities, you’ll discover the different styles of earth art/mandala, explore and forage in the park for your materials (weather permitting), and enjoy the meditative and mindful process of shaping your unique piece of art.

This workshop is perfect for those wanting to reconnect with nature, explore new and different ways to be creative, and appreciate the transient beauty of ‘art that doesn’t last’. No experience is necessary.

Open to ages 18 years +

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Part of this workshop will involve foraging outdoors if weather permits. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

In the event of hazardous weather, the workshop will be postponed to Saturday 16th November. You will be notified via email by 8.30am on Saturday in the event of postponement.

Saturday 9th November
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.
Rain date: 16th November

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About your tutor Jocelyn Watkin

Jocelyn has been making earth art over several years on the beach, in the bush and in parks. She finds the foraging and making process absorbing, fun and fulfilling.

She says that if you’ve ever felt you’re not ‘artistic’ but would love to have a go at this, then the workshop is definitely for you. She loves teaching how anyone can be creative with earth art, encouraging all to just go with the flow and to enjoy the end result of ‘perfect imperfection’.

Jocelyn is also a qualified tai chi instructor. Many of you may have joined her popular tai chi and qigong sessions every summer in Cornwall Park.

Guided Walk: Birds

Cornwall Park is a favourite spot for many species of native and introduced birds, all with their unique song and personality. This guided walk offers an introduction to many of the birds that can be seen in the park, their origins, and information on how to identify them. Top tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you have some!

You'll be guided by Ian McLean and his team from Birds New Zealand. www.birdsnz.org.nz

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 10th November
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.

Guided Walk: Ecology Identification

Explore the ecology of Cornwall Park and become your own nature guide with our Huia Lodge Discovery Hub Team. We will show you how to use various resources like field guides, apps, and keys to identify plants and animals so you can teach yourself about nature everywhere you go.

This walk is suitable for older kids interested in nature and adults who want to be able to better understand and connect to nature.

We'll also explore the amazing tools available on your phone. Closer to the event we'll follow up with an email including all the details on the apps we plan to use so you can download them if you would like to bring your own device.

This walk is held outdoors so suitable clothing and footwear are necessary, don't forget your sunscreen, raincoat and water bottle. This walk goes ahead rain or shine, in the event of hazardous weather, it will be cancelled on Sunday morning.

Registration is essential and numbers are limited. To register for this event please click here or email info@cornwallpark.co.nz. Let us know if you have any accessibility requirements.

Sunday 17th November
10am - 12pm
Location: Start from Huia Lodge Discovery Hub (next to the Cornwall Park Bistro).Vehicle access from Green Lane West.