Auckland Libraries

This episode looks at Queen Street’s landforms and its role as a gathering place for Aucklanders. The landform of Queen Street has been shaped by both natural and man-made forces. Join Rebecca Freeman (Senior Specialist Historic Heritage, Auckland Council) and Marguerite Hill (Heritage Researcher, Auckland Council) as we explore the impacts of the Waihorotiu Stream, the Albert Park volcano and early land reclamations on the Queen Street we know today. Queen Street teams with intangible heritage: events that have happened there but have left no physical mark. It is a gathering place for people, and it has become the place for Aucklanders to parade, protest and celebrate. Queen Street has seen two riots and dozens of Santa parades, as well as numerous peaceful protests. Tune in to hear about a few of these events. Sources: Landforms Auckland City Heritage Walks – The Original Foreshore Best, Simon. (1989). The Queen Street Gaol: Auckland’s First Courthouse, Common Gaol and House of Correction (site R11/1