North Shore History: David Verran

Founding the Devonport Museum – 45 years ago By David Verran

The Devonport Museum and Historical Society was registered on 24th September 1977 with the prime objective “to find, acquire, restore, preserve, maintain and/or exhibit any object or matter having any historical or pertinent connection or interest”. However, there had been earlier attempts to form a museum for Devonport. The most noteworthy was James Dunning’s July 1921 bequest to the Devonport Borough Council of his hunting trophies.

In fact, Devonport Borough Council was not initially favourable to the largest museum project in Auckland in the 1920s and 1930s, the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It declined to contribute to the initial funding in December 1923 and again in July 1928. Nevertheless, the Auckland War Memorial Museum Maintenance Act of October 1928 required local bodies in the Auckland area to contribute financially, and the Museum successfully opened in 1929. On at least three occasions between 1929 and 1945, the Devonport Borough Council did attempt to have a representative on the governing Council of that Museum, but was unsuccessful. From 1945, there was provision for just a single North Shore representative across the four local boroughs.

The late 1960s and 1970s were times of greater reflection in Aotearoa New Zealand concerning its place in the world, and from this developed an increasing interest in local and family history. The New Zealand Society of Genealogists was established in 1967 and the New Zealand History Federation in 1971. The North Shore Historical Society dates from 1976 and the Birkenhead Historical Society from 1979.

The first public mention of the Devonport Historic Society (also known as the Devonport Historical Association) was on 19th February 1976, when its President Paul Titchener (later Mayor of North Shore City 1992-1995) was featured in the ‘North Shore Times’ concerning the discovery of a Crimean War grave marker. Articles by him on the history of the North Shore had first appeared in that local newspaper from 10th September 1974, with an article on the “Guns of Devonport”. He concluded his ‘Beginnings’ column in July 1983 and also published seven volumes of those columns.

In March 1976, three groups came together to form a museum for Devonport. Not before time, as the oldest suburb on the North Shore had been undergoing gentrification for some years, with more people deciding to renovate and upgrade older houses rather than build a new house further out in the suburbs. Many also wanted to stay in the suburb where they, and often their parents and even grandparents, had grown up.

The three groups were Titchener’s Historic Society, the Devonport Borough Council (now much more aware of heritage matters) and the Devonport Library Associates (formed in 1969). However, there was

4-2999 courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collection; this 1890 photograph is looking from 'Duder's Hill' towards Torpedo Bay and Maungauika North Head, with the historic Duder's store in the middle.

still discussion as to the level of Council involvement and the ultimate location of the museum. In March 1976, Devonport Mayor, Pat Sheehan, suggested a local poll as to whether the Council should purchase an historic cottage for the museum, start a public fund with a ‘nominal sum’ or only offer non-financial help.

Titchener spoke to around 80 people at a late March 1976 meeting of the Devonport Library Associates and supported locating the museum in the vacant rear of the historic former Duder’s store, on the corner of King Edward Parade and Church Street. The advantages were proximity to both the waterfront and the local hotel and restaurant, as well as plenty of carparking for visitors. He also envisioned that souvenirs and local arts and crafts could be sold there, making it as self-supporting as possible. There were offers of donations from local service clubs, exhibits lent from the Navy (the Royal New Zealand Naval Museum had been established in 1974 in a single room at HMNZS Philomel), and the North Shore Vintage Car Club (formed in 1973) offered to display some vehicles there.

That late March 1976 meeting also unanimously voted in favour of supporting a museum at Duder’s. and a special Devonport Borough Council sub-committee was set up for the project: Councillors M H Pritchard, W D Titchener, J A Lovett and R H S Keely.

The story continues, but at another preferred site.

david.verran@xtra.co.nz

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Local Life

In Channel Magazine we love highlighting people in our community who make a difference. Two local Devonport Peninsula people, Kate and Lauren, have created ‘Local Life NZ’ a social media entity doing similar online. We love what they do, so we’re now collaborating with them to include their content in print – monthly in Channel Mag. These are recent pieces they’ve done on Terrie and Christine from Paradox Books, Flagstaff Gallery, Corelli's Cafe & Bar and Sasee from Danryu.

Paradox Books

“Although the book-selling giants like Amazon will always beat us on price, our little shop offers something that human beings crave - a cosy space, the smell of new books, good personal service, and other similar people who like being there. It’s a community place. We worked steadily through lockdown and delivered books and activities around the Devonport Peninsula, and up to Hauraki, with many people saying how thrilled they were to open the door to find a hand-delivered parcel of books on their doorstep.” — Terrie Gray & Christine Thomson, Paradox Books

Flagstaff Gallery

“Art is part of the fabric of our community here in Devonport,” says Cary, who’s owned and run the Flagstaff Gallery for the past five years. “Our aim is to create a vital link between artists and their audience and for the gallery to be a warm, inviting and expressive space. Everyone is welcome to visit and enjoy the art.” Cary has lived in six countries and 13 different houses over the past 24 years. She decided to buy the Flagstaff Gallery, which has been a fixture of Devonport for the past 27 years, over a bottle of wine. The decision, which Cary’s husband Doug described as a romantic one, saved the gallery from closing its doors for good. Even though they’d only been in Devonport just short of a year, they felt passionate that the gallery should stay firmly local. — Cary Cochrane, Flagstaff Gallery

Corelli’s Cafe & Bar

“The first lockdown was a shock to everyone -- staff and customers were confused and a little fearful. It was a rather eerie afternoon.

“I visited the cafe every day, to check on things and just get out. Staff wandered by to keep in touch, and some of the customers came to sit on the seats outside in the afternoon sun. One customer watered the garden, another checked the front and back doors were secure every time he went by.

“I was reassured daily by customers that they would return when we reopened. Devonport is a village within a big city, and there’s a real community spirit here.

“The staff have all pulled together to support each other and make it work, I feel a lot of responsibility towards them. They’re part of the community that makes Corelli’s what it is, and some of them have worked for me in Devonport for many years - some of them over 10 years now.

“Having been in the hospitality business for more than 40 years, this is the best group I think I’ve ever had.” — Anthony Sanderson, Corelli’s

OUR PLACE Stories of Local Life

Danryu

Satoru Sawaki – or ‘Sasee’ to his friends - has an impish grin that was always going to take him places, from his birthplace in Tokyo where he cooked as a youngster, across our TV screens as the face of Asahi Beer, to The Food Truck where he taught Michael van de Elzen how to make sushi, before landing finally in Devonport as one of Auckland’s top Japanese chefs. Sasee cut his teeth at Kura, the award-winning Queen Street sake bar, and has recently gone solo with Kayoko, his wife of 20 years, at Danryu beside Devonport’s Old Post Office building. What Sasee masterfully crafts with his Musashi knives is a visual feast and a taste sensation – a veritable sculpture garden of vegetables, tofu, fish, lamb, venison and wagyu beef. His favourite fish to work with is the romantically-named Alfonsino, while his favourite dish is nigiri sushi which he prepares using seven different types of freshly-caught fish. And just as he used to please his mother by taking over the cooking duties at home, his desire to bring joy to his customers is paramount: “I want to see them smile,” he says.

If you have a story you would like to share or know of a local hero, contact Kate Dobbin & Lauren Lulu Taylor at hello@localifenz.com Follow Local Life NZ on Facebook and Instagram – @LocalLifeNZ OUR PLACE Stories of Local Life “We’re all in this together. Laura Foote u are a bloody legend!! Oh Hannah you really are wee shining light in this dark time for many. Keep glowing n growing you special woman you. Thank you Sam for your welcoming smile, a joke or song. You cheer up my day. Sam is such a delightful and special human being who goes out of his way to be helpful to everyone. Poems, politics, saving the world are but a few of his attributes. Love the Patriot, guess that makes me a Patriot! We as a family have been going there for around 25 years. Amazing how little we need and how much we have. Ron- I know this man and what a privilege that is. I have many happy memories of this lovely Vic theatre, used to visit in the late 50’s - early 60’s. I’m a big fan of Devon on the Wharf. Nigar is very welcoming and warm hearted. Nilesh & Dosa- They are just lovely human beings, love them. LOVE Paradox books! A wonderful selection of books and great service always and ambience. It’s not what you do that’s important ...It’s the passion you do it with! Thanks so much for the yummy croissants Alan. Can’t wait to claim the table again on Wednesday mornings. Sam is wonderful and my dog Ivy is absolutely besotted with him. Sam, you are a legend ... such a star and we hope you keep on shining your bright light. Thank you for being you.We love Whites. Legends. Brilliant ♥ lovely! Amazingly inspirational. Laura- a very special uniquely gorgeous being ♥ One of Devonport’s unsung heroes! Laura’s positivity is inspiring. Just simply the best! Love this all the way! The Pub looks (and is ) Amazing. Well said Ken. You’re a good man ♥ Some of my favourite people right here! Kate Walden Ben Walden Bill and Gerri, two big hearts. Making a huge difference and changing lives. ♥ ♥ Thank you Kashish & Sam, you’re both so friendly and helpful, every time I walk in I feel so welcomed. Wonderful...there are some great people out there… It just goes to show how valued you are in the community Josie. You provide us a happy place to come to.” OUR PLACE – STORIES OF LOCAL LIFE DEVONPORT LOCAL LIFE NZ Late in 2020 we published a book “OUR PLACE” featuring 50 Local Life stories from our community. The interest saw us sell out of the first two print runs so we did a third run. We still have a few copies left that can be purchased. If you missed out and are interested in a copy then email us at hello@locallifenz.com. The book is available for purchase at Paradox Books, Devonport for $30.

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Two North Shore mums are making an ImpACT on Mental Health

Founders of ImpACT Mental Health discipline, routine, goal setting, – a New Zealand wide resilience competition, planning and pushing education programme – believe through personal failure. the consequence of uncertainty Speaking on stage, Jo and Sue share surrounding each pandemic their own personal stories of what it lockdown has a greater influence took to persevere through trauma and on our children’s mental health than tragedy. Sue, in tears, recalls what it was we have yet measured. Speaking to like to watch her mother dying of cancer parents, teenagers and educational in her teen years, and then lose her at establishments about resilience, the a young and vulnerable age. “I felt lost, duo suggest uncertainty is linked to alone and knew that no one understood possible negative feelings such as my pain and emptiness." Jo takes us a loss of control, hopelessness and back to when she was 12 years old and confusion where the outcome of each the stigma and shame she experienced lockdown announcement creates when her father was sent to prison, and significant insecurity and fear for our then subsequently taking on the role of school and university-age students. caregiver upon his release due to his

Yet they suggest these are also unstable mental health. This brought opportunities to build increased Joanne Webb and Sue O’Callaghan. feelings of isolation, loneliness and resilience in our young generation, injustice. if we are able to use disappointment and failure to role model and As parents of eight children, they understand the natural desire implement healthy conversations around problem-solving, resisting to protect children from disappointment, defeat and harm – yet they negativity, emotional regulation, growth mindsets, healthy living and share how resilient kids have grit and a growth mindset to empower goal setting. them through life. Resilience is about learning skills that empower

Recently published authors of "Hate Myself Hate My Life – A them to bounce back when adversity hits, grow and learn from Teenage Guide to Finding Self-Confidence and Inner Love', Sue mistakes when they fail, and try to solve problems when they arise, O’Callaghan and Joanne Webb have combined over 55 years of rather than giving up. resilience experience, their own stories of surviving tragedy and Having podcasted for over 18 months, to disrupt the theory that trauma, and research from over 70 of their podcast guests to put their everyone has a perfect life, Jo and Sue went on to interview over 70 resilience programme together. inspirational guests on the resources needed to overcome severe

They strongly believe that the capacity individuals have to survive suffering. They also learnt the role of resilience when teaching in crisis, change, failure and adversity is directly proportional to the level maximum security prisons and schools, running fitness and outdoor of resilience, adaptability, perseverance and endurance they have education programmes and owning their own businesses in mental learnt. Webb states, "One thing we can be sure of is that each of us health. Jo – an avid 100k ultra-marathon runner – and Sue – a will experience pain and suffering in life, and we all need the skills, previous school head rowing coach in England, Australia and New tools and techniques to help us not only survive but also thrive." Zealand – believe walking through resilience themselves has been

O’Callaghan says that the two latest consecutive level 3 lockdowns key to being able to inspire others on their journey. “We don't stand are evidence that stress management, self-discipline and emotional up and speak information and facts – we tell story and aim to inspire intelligence must be nurtured in our young people in order to provide through real lived experience of what actually works,” says Sue. the stability and security necessary to survive uncertain, confusing and It is not a coincidence that support has flooded in for the work of rapidly changing times. "Routine, structure and boundaries are a vital ImpACT Mental Health from Australia, the UK, America and New part of our children's lives, yet recently we have seen normality shift Zealand. “We are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Resilience is into school and university closures, studying from home, parents with more important now than ever,” says Jo. ImpACT Mental Health is job insecurity, financial crisis and the range of emotions attached. We delivering the necessary tools to build individuals up, equipping them forget how relevant routine is for our children: a school timetable, a with knowledge, so when life goes wrong (which it will), children, packed lunch in their bag, connecting with friends, catching the bus, teens and young adults have the strategies in place as well as the and social activities. The Covid epidemic is merely a reminder that strength to work through obstacles; while always looking to the when tough times come – and they will – our children need resilience; learning opportunity and the place in which to grow from a setback or and resilience is not necessarily something you are born with, but crisis. “Resilient people don't see themselves as a failure, they define rather, something you can learn. themselves by their successes, and when failure comes, it is viewed as

Sue and Jo, each a mother of four teens, are advocates for allowing another step in the process towards success." children to experience failures and disappointments while still at home. In doing so they learn the necessary skills to empower them Introducing a range of projects for 2021, ImpACT Mental Health through survival while also preparing them for the larger challenges has a preventative education talk for primary and high school they will face later in life. Sue, who put all four of her children through parents, teacher training workshops, keynote talks and events for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award programme suggests outdoor teenagers and university students to empower skills in survival. education, sport, music, drama, dance, or a personal hobby are key Their talks and courses can be found on their website, where their areas where children learn resilience through teamwork, practice, book can also be purchased: www.impact-mentalhealth.com.