Layers of Gold
150 years ago, when Gabriel Read made the first major discovery of gold in Otago, at Gabriel’s Gully, he well and truly put Dunedin on the world map. Dunedin became the gateway to the goldfields, and the Otago gold rush became the catalyst that laid the foundations of Dunedin’s rich heritage. ‘Layers of Gold’ celebrates not just the discovery of gold in 1861, but the rich layers of the city’s past that have been woven into the fabric that is our vibrant city today.
Before the discovery of gold in 1861 Otago and Southland’s population was just under 7,000. Ten years later it was almost 70,000. The massive influx of people from New Zealand and from many parts of the world brought prosperity to the region and saw Dunedin transformed from a small and struggling settlement to New Zealand’s most prosperous and influential city of the day.
The gold rush brought fortune seekers, miners and merchants, farmers and blacksmiths, hotel keepers, entertainers and entrepreneurs; hardy people, colourful people. They built a city of ‘firsts’ – NZ’s first University, first Medical School, first Girls High School (first in the southern Hemisphere), first kindergarten and first Technical College, first Art School and first national arts fellowships. In commerce, Dunedin began NZ’s frozen meat export trade, it started the pulp and paper industry, the printing industry and opened the country’s first coal mine. Many of New Zealand’s most successful companies have their origins in Dunedin. It also led the way in communications with the first telephone call, the first radio broadcast and the first daily newspaper-the Otago Daily Times. Dunedin also has a legacy of generous benefactors that have enriched the city’s cultural heritage.
In 2011 the Bank of New Zealand, Allied Press, Cerebos Greggs, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, Galloway, Cook Allan and the Dunedin Fire Brigade will all celebrate their 150th anniversaries.
Dunedin is a proud city of outstanding achievements and outstanding people. The ‘Layers of Gold’ celebrations, set against the backdrop of the city’s fine Victorian and Edwardian architecture, will be an opportunity to reflect on the past, enjoy and celebrate the present and look forward to the next ‘layer of gold’ the city’s future will undoubtedly unfold.
BNZ - Festival HQ
The historic Bank of New Zealand building is the fitting focal point for the ‘Layers of Gold’ celebrations serving as both Festival HQ and Exhibition Hall. The BNZ, which will also be celebrating its 150th birthday, opened its doors in Dunedin in 1861, on the corner of Princes St & Rattray St in the heart of what was to become the Exchange. Its opening was just three months shy of the establishment of the Bank’s first branch in Auckland. The BNZ building that stands on the site today was built in 1884.
The internal grandeur of the building will be as much of an attraction as the numerous exhibitions mounted inside, enriching the visitor’s experience. People will also have the opportunity to explore the Bank’s original safes and assaying rooms downstairs.
The BNZ HQ will host the official opening of ‘Layers of Gold’ on Friday 18 March; the first opportunity to view what’s being showcased inside includinga pictorial display depicting the historical importance of the Otago Goldrush to Dunedin’s establishment as a major commercial centre courtesy of the Otago Settlers Museum.
Internal shop facades will depict the architectural visage of the Exchange area in 1861 and the Law Society and the Cargill’s Castle Trust have also contributed fascinating historical displays. ‘Shirakee- The Children of Walker Street’, an oral history exhibition, will intrigue with the picture it paints of inner city life and of the prejudices that prevailed in the late 1800’s. The profile of Chioe Sew Hoy’s family tree will add understanding to the rich cultural fabric of Dunedin’s early settlers. And during the weekend, jewellers will have their hands on gold as they fashion jewellery from the world’s most valuable metal.
It will all be happening at the BNZ HQ - make it your first ‘layer’ of experience during these four gold-fever filled days throughout Anniversary Weekend.
