Life Journeys

Purewa Cemetery and Crematorium is taking part in the Auckland Council's Auckland Heritage Festival 2019. We have created four unique guided tours of the historic part of the cemetery where many of Auckland's founding men and women lie at rest.

Each tour will take about an hour to complete and will be led by an historian. The four tour categories are:Business/Entrepreneurs, Education/Arts, Church/Medical/Military and Politics/Sport. Some of the 'notable' names include Sir Robert Kerridge (founder of the Kerridge Odeon theatre chain), Maurice Paykel (co-founder of Fisher and Paykel), Marianne Caughey (founder of Smith and Caughey), Charles Goldie (artist), Mary Pulling (first Headmistress of Diocesan School for Girls), Sir Kingi Ihaka (Maori Anglican Priest), Sir Denis Blundell (12th Governor General), Sir William Fox (early Premier), Sir Wilson Whineray (captain of the All Blacks and business), Sir Frank Mappin (philanthropist) and Sir Edwin Mitchelson (politician and community leader) among many others.

As well as the guided tours there will also be a complimentary afternoon tea in the St John's Lounge and a special video presentation about Purewa and its history. A free booklet about the 40 'notables' included in the tours has been produced for visitors to the event. The tours will depart from the St John's Lounge at the following times: Business/Entrepreneurs 1.15pm, Education/Arts 1.30pm, Church/Medical/Military 1.45pm and Politics/Sport at 2pm. Each tour will visit ten graves.

This is a unique event for Purewa and we are delighted to be part of the Auckland Heritage Festival. Come and join us on this fantastic journey recognising many early Auckland men and women from all walks of life who contributed so much to our heritage.