“To celebrate Auckland’s 175th year, Auckland Museum brings you a special home-grown exhibition about the city – Taku Tamaki – Auckland Stories. As part of the exhibition they are collecting stories from the public about their memories and experiences of Auckland. Our columnist Dr Allison Lamont, shares her story below, share yours at http://woobox.com/y6tkgy for your chance to win an exclusive after hours experience at the museum.”
My eyes popped open. The sun was streaming through the window. It took a moment to realise that, wonder of wonders, the earth had stood still all night! Three years after the earthquakes I made the difficult decision to leave Christchurch after more than sixty years there.
Realising I had woken to my very first morning in Auckland, I popped out of bed, breakfasted el fresco on fresh fruit (feeling it was a very Auckland thing to do!), donned walking shoes and set out down Long Drive to familiarise myself with my new environment.
Rounding a bend in the road I stopped short – and gasped. There was Rangitoto, sparkling ocean, tiny yachts out on the water looking for all the world like a flock of seabirds, early morning walkers, joggers and swimmers already enjoying the beach.
I sat on the seawall as tears of wonder and relief slipped down my cheeks – my new home, so beautiful, so restorative.
After two years of living in Auckland, little of the pleasure of that first morning has dissipated.
Driving out of the CBD along Tamaki Drive I still often want to pinch myself to be sure I am not dreaming and find myself smiling with delight that Auckland has, indeed, become home.
Read thoughts from 3 other GrownUps columnists…
David Hartnell, Lyn Potter & our Editor.
Taku Tāmaki – Auckland Stories at Auckland Museum
Share your story for the chance to win!
Share your own story, and picture if you have one, about Auckland and be in to WIN an exclusive after-hours guided tour with one of our curators, followed by a private dinner at the museum for you and 3 friends!
Enter here
Entries close 5pm Monday 14th September 2015 and are subject to the official rules.
About the exhibition:
As Auckland marks its 175th year, this special home-grown exhibition invites you to become explorers of the city. Full of inspiring and curious things to see and do, you’ll discover what the city is about, what shaped it and where it might be headed.
Highlights include never-before-seen collection items and images, an interactive game that allows you to connect the dots as a museum curator, and a nostalgic journey back to a 1980s’ dairy.
Check out Peter Madden’s stunning art installation, watch a selection of fun films, and a display which honours heroes of our city.
Exhibition open daily until Sunday 18th October 2015 in the Auckland Museum Special Exhibitions Hall.
Free entry for Auckland residents.
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