Greys Avenue, Hundertwasser, Cyclones, History

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2023. It’s certainly been a challenging start to the year for many. Our hearts go out to all who have been adversely affected by the weather event at the end of January and Cyclone Gabrielle. We applaud the efforts of all those who have risen to the occasion and reached out to fellow kiwis with a helping hand in a time of need.

At the end of January commemorations were held around the country to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We were pleased to publish the poignant article by 17 year old Noah Tetro, who reflected on the ways in which he was impacted by his friendship with Holocaust survivor, the late Benjamin Steiner. Jewish Lives seeks to convey the breadth of Jewish experience in New Zealand and we value the opportunity to hear the voices of old and young alike.

Hundertwasser in Kawakawa

The holiday season is a great time to make new discoveries around the country and one such example is the wonderful Hononga Hundertwasser community centre in Kawakawa in Northland. The story behind the beautifully designed complex is an inspiring example of the weaving together of different peoples. The centre is a tribute to the relationship that Hundertwasser formed with the local iwi, community and environment.

Greys Avenue – A Commemorative Event

Finally, the beginning of the year has been momentous for members of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation and Kadimah School, who have made the move from Greys Ave in central Auckland to Remuera. The final farewell event was a moving occasion with many memories shared, a few tears shed, but also great optimism for the future. L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation provided a fitting theme for the evening.

We’re pleased to share some of the speeches and images from the event.

We’re also excited to reveal some of the historic images, which have for decades been hidden away in the archives.  These provide a visual narrative for some of the key moments in the history of Greys Ave Synagogue.

As we embark on another year, we look forward to sharing more from the archives as well as other projects in the pipeline.