The recently formed Auckland History Initiative (AHI), based in History at The University of Auckland, has the goal of invigorating engagement with the histories of Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland. Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is changing before our eyes. Most of Auckland’s current challenges are new versions of old problems, with their own powerful histories inviting clearer articulation. Whether it is understanding the historical context of Maori and of Pacific peoples in urban settings, the development of Auckland’s distinct ethnic diversity or the challenges of urban intensification, health and housing in a globalising world, the AHI’s perspective is that our city’s history can help us to better understand the complexities of the present day.
AHI aims to reach beyond the University, building strong connections with Auckland’s many history and heritage communities and putting Auckland’s history at the heart of an energetic conversation about our city.
‘Big Cities’ Research Showcase
AHI was delighted to be accepted as an exhibitor at The University of Auckland’s annual Celebrating Research Excellence event in April. We were one of just a couple of humanities groups at an occasion dominated by ‘hard’ projects from the Sciences, Engineering and Medical Science. The University’s annual Research Awards were presented and the Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon. Paul Goldsmith, himself an Auckland History alumni, visited each display.
Prize for Best Graduate Student Presentation at NZHA 2017 Conference
AHI is pleased to announce that it will award a prize of $350 for the best graduate student presentation in the Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland theme at the NZHA conference later this year. Watch for details about criteria and how to enter, to be posted on the Histories Meet conference website.
Please direct any inquiries about AHI to the Project Manager, Dr Debbie Dunsford, d.dunsford@historian.co.nz.
The New Zealand Historical Association 