Heritage Week Ambassadors

Since 2004 we have been acknowledging the services of individuals and groups who have made a significant contribution to heritage in the community, particularly through education and advocacy of heritage during Heritage Week.

The Heritage Ambassador Award is awarded annually to a community event organiser who has made, and is currently making valuable contributions through organising and promoting events during Beca Heritage Week. Former recipients have included Graeme Stanley, the Gregg family for their contribution to Tip Tree Cottage, Richard Greenaway, Dr Terry Ryan, and Topsy Rule of the Sumner-Redcliffs Historical Society and Museum.

Heritage Week Ambassador 2009: Godley Head Heritage Trust

The Heritage Week Management Group are pleased to announce the Godley Head Heritage Trust as the 2009 recipient of the Heritage Week Ambassador Award.

Work on Godley Head battery began just six days after the outbreak of World War II. With its long-range coastal defence gunnery, underground magazines and gun emplacements, observation posts, plotting room, searchlights and accommodation for over 400 staff, the battery served to defend the Canterbury region from potential foreign invasion. As one of the most complete of its type left in the country, the coastal-defence battery is an important part of New Zealand's wartime history.

The Godley Head Heritage Trust is committed to the preservation, restoration and documentation of the Godley Head Heritage Area. Trust members work in conjunction with the Department of Conservation to progress projects such as establishing a Heritage Centre in the former regimental headquarters building and quartermaster's store along with interpretive displays to tell the fascinating stories of this special place.

The Godley Head Heritage Trust became involved in Heritage Week about 2001, not long after it was established, and has regularly conducted tours and open days as part of Heritage Week since that time. Last year the 'Godley Head revisited' event was a huge success. Over 2000 people experienced a WWII aircraft flyover and marching demonstrations, along with interactive displays of WWII artefacts and memorabilia, brought to life with lighting, sound-effects and music. The event promoted ex-service men and women to attend and share their war-time memories of Godley Head.

We look forward to experiencing some more stories of the history and people of Godley Head battery during this year's Beca Heritage Week.