3 March, 2026

Down from the maunga: Folkies descend for annual music festival under the fig trees

Around 150 people attended Folk in the Park at the Windsor Reserve bandstand this month. The event, which dates back to 2013, drew visitors from overseas and from south of the Harbour Bridge despite changeable and sometimes gusty weather. The performers were Pomahaka-Tyne (Janet Thomson and Helen Douglas), Clare Senior, Nick Johnston and daughters Ren and Isobel, Diane Ponzio and Friends (Hank Trenton and Helene Piper) and the Minimum Viable Band (Nat Torkington and Jenine Abarbanel. More photos, pages 8-9.

Familiar face… Diane Ponzio in full voice.
Right: Some of the Devonport locals in the audience: Jess and husband Casey Cahan with their son Rory (2) and daughter Lena (6).

Finger-pickin’ good… Janet Thomson of Pomahaka-Tyne
Right: Devonport Folk Club president and MC for the day, Terry Free.

Folk and fundraising… Thomas Schroeder with partner Nicola Schroeder of Salt and Sugar General Store supporting Calliope Sea Scouts with their woodfired pizzas.

Locals Charlie Patterson and Heather Walpole-Smith (left) and Christine Lloyd with friend Sally Birge from Howick.

Tuneful trio… Diane Ponzio with her bandmates Hank Trenton and Helene Piper