Roskill’s heritage is rich and interesting. However, for a long time it has been neglected. We have lost many significant buildings over the years, we have fewer heritage protected buildings than any other part of Auckland, there is paucity of heritage signage in place, and a very senior Roskill councillor was once quoted as saying “Roskill has no heritage”.
- Took steps to protect and preserve the historic block changing sheds at Waikowhai
- Secured $150,000 to advance the first formal survey of Mt Roskill/Puketapapa’s heritage with many key sites identified and proposed for protection under the Unitary Plan
- Established an annual Heritage Forum to bring together local people with an interest in Roskill’s history
- Co-ordinated local events for the annual Heritage Festival in Roskill
- Organised 2012’s Heritage Art competition for local school students
- Secured the restoration and return of the much loved ‘Mayor Dick Fickling’ portrait to the Fickling Centre
- Established a Local Board collection of Heritage images, some of which are displayed in Fickling Centre rooms
- Led the upgrade of St Andrews Reserve, ‘the home of local government in Auckland’ including heritage interpretive signage.
- Secured funding for the installation of heritage interpretive signage around Roskill and ran a public vote to determine the priority sites. Installation commencing in late 2013.
- Initiated and delivered the Suffrage Memorial in the Rose Gardens (corner Mt Albert Rd & Warren Ave), to be formally unveiled on September 19.