Devonport This Weekend
26 September, 2025
Devonport This Weekend — 26, 27, 28 September
New Devonport Museum president, David Verran
Auckland Heritage Festival — Auckland at Play
Sporting traditions in Devonport
As part of the Auckland Heritage Festival, the museum has set up a display of Devonport sporting history. Its permanent exhibits include local natural, geological and human history, along with memorabilia relating to schools, transport, early settlers and families. The museum has extended its opening hours during the festival.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 12–4pm.
Where: Devonport Museum, 33 Vauxhall Rd.
Dave Veart: New Zealand toy production and children at play in our communities
Historian, archaeologist and author, Dave Veart, will share his research on toys and play.
More information here.
When: Sunday, 2–3pm.
Where: Devonport Museum, 33 Vauxhall Rd.
Bricks to Swans: The Crown Lynn Story
Crown Lynn Museum director Louise Stevenson tells the story of New Zealand’s iconic ceramics manufacturer, from early brick-making days to the hey-day of ceramic swans. Whether you’re fascinated by classic New Zealand stories, a keen collector or just curious, you won’t want to miss this talk. You can also bring along a Crown Lynn item of your own, or a photo, to discuss with Stevenson afterwards.
More information here.
When: Sunday, 11am–12pm.
Where: Devonport Library, 2 Victoria Rd, corner of Windsor Reserve.
Maungauika Walking Tours
Tour the gun positions and tunnels of Maungauika and learn about the stories and secrets of the maunga from the experienced guides of the Auckland Coastal Defences Historical Trust. Tours last two hours and start at 10am or 2pm. Cost: free, koha accepted. Limited numbers per guide, bookings recommended. Phone 09 445 5186 or email info@navymuseum.co.nz. More information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday (and next weekend).
Where: Tours start at the Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Pde.
William C Daldy Steam Tug Tour
Tour the ship and learn about its history. The volunteer crew will explain the workings of this now unique vessel – the last of its kind anywhere. More information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday (and next weekend), 10am–2pm.
Where: Victoria Wharf, 1 Queens Pde.
Instrumental in Defence
This year, the Navy Band celebrates its 65th anniversary. Look back on its history and traditions, its unique and essential role in the Navy and the diverse group of musicians that make up the band today. More information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm.
Where: 64 King Edward Pde.
The Vic: A Love Story
A short film that charts the fascinating history of the Victoria Theatre, the oldest purpose-built cinema in the Southern Hemisphere. Select film screenings are part of the fundraising campaign to raise money for new seats for the cinema. Tickets here.
When: Saturday, 10am.
Where: The Victoria Theatre (The Vic), 48 Victoria Rd.
General Events
Meet the Candidates: Local-Body Elections
This is your chance to hear directly from the people who want to represent you on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. Ask questions, share concerns and connect with local voices. RSVP and more information here. Co-hosted by Restoring Takarunga Hauraki and the Rose Centre.
When: Sunday, 3–4.30pm.
Where: The Rose Centre, 4 School Rd, Belmont.
Magical Mascots at Devonport Navy Museum
Visit the Navy Museum these school holidays and find all the Torpedo Teds hiding in the galleries. Locate all the bears and go into the prize draw. Plus, in the Tūhura learning space you can create your own special mascot and add it to the display. More information here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm.
Where: 64 King Edward Pde.
Toy Library at Devonport Community House
Hundreds of quality toys to try out or borrow, for kids aged up to six years old.
When: Saturday, 9–11am.
Where: 32 Clarence St.
Volcanic Vinyl Pop-Up Record Store
New and used LPs for sale across most genres including funk, soul, punk, blues, rock, electronica, metal, reggae and hip hop, all in the convivial surroundings of Tiny Triumphs.
When: Saturday, 2–5.30pm.
Where: Tiny Triumphs, 5 Clarence St.
Gallery Exhibitions
Sanctuary: Exhibition Opening at DEPOT 3 Vic Road
Embroidery artist Kirsten Sutherland’s exhibition Sanctuary explores 19th-century American quilt designs. Quilts with these designs were typically displayed in the windows of the Underground Railroad, giving coded instructions to guide escaped slaves to safety. These embroideries also investigate the intersection of traditional textile designs and modernist art.
When: Friday, 6–7.30pm.
Where: 3 Victoria Rd.
Vānimonimo at DEPOT Artspace
Vānimonimo is a collection of sculptural and painted works that explore the Sāmoan concept of Vā, the sacred relational space that binds people, land, ocean and ancestry. At the heart of Siah Finai’s exhibition are timber sculptures and contemporary reinterpretations of the traditional pātē, or slit drum, as well as a series of timber gogo birds, inspired by the stylised frigate bird motif found throughout Pacific art and tatau.
When: Friday and Saturday, 10am–4pm.
Where: 28 Clarence St.
Benediction: Piet Tuinder at DEPOT Lounge
Final weekend! As a first-generation Kiwi of a Dutch immigrant family, artist Piet Tuinder’s works reflect the cultural identity and sense of spiritual connection he has found both here and in the Netherlands. His framed motifs and symbols evolved from the serenity of Dutch churches, while accompanying sculptures connect to the birds of Aotearoa.
When: Friday and Saturday, 10am–4pm.
Where: 28 Clarence St.
Perfectly Imperfect at Satellite2
An exhibition of faces by Terry Fergusson-Hughes, celebrating the flaws and imperfections that make us all so unique.
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am–2pm.
Where: 61A Victoria Rd.
Music & Entertainment
Candlelight Concert at Harmony Hall
Singer Leedia Zaia and musicians from Auckland’s Zest String Quartet perform a selection of pieces in Melodies for ME. The event is a fundraiser for the ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) community and those with related illnesses. Free entry, koha appreciated. Email events@merespite.org.nz to reserve seats.
When: Sunday, 7.30–8.30pm.
Where: 4 Wynyard St.
On at The Vic This Weekend
Play reading: Shelter. The Victoria Theatre Trust presents a play reading of Shelter by Elspeth Sandys. A mother and son are forced to take shelter when a storm hits during their tramp in the bush. Tension builds as hidden family truths are revealed. The parts are being read by Alison Bruce and Joe Dekkers-Reihana. Tickets and more information here.
When: Sunday, 4pm.
School holiday screenings continue: family films for all ages.
The Bad Guys 2 (PG)
Dora: Magic Mermaid Adventures (G)
Kangaroo (PG)
Gabby’s Dollhouse:The Movie (G)
Where: The Victoria Theatre (The Vic), 48 Victoria Rd.
Friday Night Live at Harmony Hall
Come along for open-mic night at Harmony Hall, to hear talented local singers and maybe give it a go yourself. Bring a plate and BYO.
When: Friday, 7pm.
Where: 4 Wynyard St.
Lazy Sunday Afternoon Singing
Head along to Harmony Hall for a singing session. Email dellgraham@gmail.com for the weekly programme. BYO wine and cheese.
When: Sunday, 3pm.
Where: 4 Wynyard St.
Folk Music at The Bunker
Bunker Hill Unplugged showcases four songwriters. Cost: $10 cash at the door. If you’re driving, call 021 213 1518 for information about parking and access to the code open the barrier. For more information, see here.
When: Sunday, 8pm.
Where: The Bunker, Takarunga.
Sport
Friday Social Pétanque
An opportunity for club members and guests to play petanque and enjoy a social catch-up with friends and the local community. All welcome. More information here.
When: Friday, play 3–5pm, bar opens from 5.30pm.
Where: Stanley Bay Petanque Club, 20 Stanley Pt Rd.
Open Homes
Barfoot & Thompson
57B Norwood Rd, Saturday and Sunday, 11–11.30am.
25 Patuone Ave, Saturday and Sunday, 12–12.30pm.
5/16 Rutland Rd, Saturday, 12–12.30pm.
28 Patuone Ave, Saturday and Sunday, 12–12.30pm.
29 Queens Pde, Saturday and Sunday, 1–1.30pm.
15 Albert Rd, Sunday, 12–12.30pm.
Bayleys
28 Jubilee Ave, Saturday and Sunday, 11–11.30am.
1/47 Clarence St, Saturday and Sunday, 1–1.30pm.
50 Ngataringa Rd, Saturday, 1–1.45pm.
2/9 Calliope Rd, Saturday and Sunday, 2–2.30pm.
7 Merani St, Saturday and Sunday, 12.30–1.15pm.
3 Cambridge Tce, Saturday and Sunday, 11–11.45am.
94 Calliope Rd, Saturday and Sunday, 3–3.30pm.
10A First Ave, Sunday, 10.15–10.45am.
53A Stanley Point Rd, Sunday, 11–11.30am.
41 Calliope Rd, Sunday, 11.30am–12pm.
1/15A Kerr St, Sunday, 12–12.30pm.
Apt M6, Devon Park, 45 Stanley Point Rd, Sunday, 12.30–1pm.
Apt G8, Devon Park, 45 Stanley Point Rd, Sunday, 1–1.30pm.
19 Kerr St, Sunday, 1–1.45pm.
Harcourts Cooper & Co
7/16 Williamson Ave, Sunday, 11.30am–12pm.
Book Ahead for Next Weekend
Daniel Champagne: Live at The Vic
Young Australian guitar virtuoso, Daniel Champagne, performs live. He began writing songs at age 12, training classically throughout his teens and performing wherever he could, honing his craft. He has since released seven studio albums, and played to sell-out audiences around the world. Tickets here.
When: Friday 3 October, 8pm.
Where: The Victoria Theatre (The Vic), 48 Victoria Rd.
Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl
Calling all Swifties! Tickets on sale now. See the exclusive world premiere of the music video, The Fate of Ophelia, along with behind-the-scenes footage and Swift’s personal reflections on songs from her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. Tickets here.
When: Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October.
Where: The Victoria Theatre (The Vic), 48 Victoria Rd.
Maungauika Walking Tours
Tour the gun positions and tunnels of Maungauika and learn about the stories and secrets of the maunga from the experienced guides of the Auckland Coastal Defences Historical Trust. Tours last two hours and start at 10am or 2pm. Cost: free, koha accepted. Limited numbers per guide, bookings recommended. Phone 09 445 5186 or email info@navymuseum.co.nz. More information here.
When: Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October.
Where: Tours start at the Navy Museum, 64 King Edward Pde.
Tell us about your weekend event: email details to
whatson@devonportflagstaff.co.nz
no later than Thursday morning.