3 more Summer Scholars from the Auckland History Initiative talk about their research topics

Three more graduates talk about the history of Winstones Ltd, the story of international tennis in Auckland, and Tiritiri Matangi, an Open Sanctuary for Māori and Europeans.

WHEN: Friday 28 August 2026 at 6.30pm.

WHERE: Remuera Library, 429 Remuera Road.

Please RSVP to info@remueraheritage.org.nz

Penny Valentine

Title: Foundations of a City: the history of Winstone Limited in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. 

Inspired by the researcher’s family’s connection to Winstones, this project examines the company Winstone Limited from its founding by William and George Winstone in 1864 until its amalgamation with Fletcher Challenge in 1988.

Rosa Willis

Title: How Tennis Brought the World to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

The story of international tennis in Auckland began as a trans-Tasman affair. Australia provided Auckland with its first international matches, and together the two countries competed as one in the Davis Cup. In 1920, Auckland held its very own Davis Cup competition, putting Auckland on the map of international tennis.

Emily Zhu

Title: Tiritiri Matangi: Open Sanctuary

Only a scenic 80-minute ferry from central Auckland, Tiritiri Matangi Island is best known today as a native bird sanctuary: a haven of birdsong, guided walks, and restored bush. Yet for centuries, the island was occupied and used by Māori, and later by Europeans.