Author talk: The Valley that fed a City

Discover the story of Clevedon and the Wairoa Valley, and the important role this rural corner of Tāmaki Makaurau played in supplying food to a growing Auckland. As part of the Auckland Heritage Festival, author and historian Jessie Munro presents a 30-minute talk drawing on her extensively researched two-volume history, Voices of Belonging: A History of Clevedon–Te Wairoa (2016). Jessie will explore the valley’s agricultural past, its river-based food trade and the development of the settlement that eventually became Clevedon. The history of the area stretches much further back, with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki maintaining a long and enduring connection with Te Wairoa and the Wairoa Valley. European settlement followed in the 1850s, with farms, orchards, crops and other rural industries developing around the river and helping Clevedon grow into a busy rural service village. Following the talk, enjoy a heritage morning tea and take time to explore McNicol Homestead Museum. Built in 1878 for the McNicol family, the two-storey homestead was constructed from solid kauri and is now home to a collection preserving the history of the Clevedon district. Visitors can also explore the new Clevedon Village Heritage Trail, an easy, self-guided 8km loop connecting 19 historically significant locations. Beginning and ending at Clevedon Village Reserve, the trail takes in sites including Te Nikau Pā, the Wairoa River and wharf, historic churches, the Settlers’ Cairn, McNicol Homestead and other landmarks. QR codes along the route provide photographs and stories about each location. Make a day of your visit to Clevedon by combining the heritage experience with the Clevedon Village Farmers Market (open 8am-1pm) or Clevedon Village Craft Market (open 9am-2pm). Spaces are limited to 25 people. Tickets are $20 per person, with free admission for children under 15. Bookings are required.