On A Saturday Night

On A Saturday Night is an evocative tribute celebrating the vibrant spirit and resilience of New Zealand's small towns. This beautifully crafted paperback by Michele Frey, published by Canterbury University Press, takes readers on a journey from the warm embraces of Whakapara in the north to the serene charm of Mossburn in the south. Explore the pivotal role of community halls, the heart and soul of these towns, where countless memories have been created and cherished over generations. These halls have hosted an array of gatherings – from school classrooms and wedding receptions to memorial services and festive celebrations. With 260 pages of rich storytelling and stunning photography, Frey and co-author Sara Newman, alongside talented photographers John Maillard and John O'Malley, delve deep into the stories that these iconic venues hold. Each hall, whether a simple structure or a majestic building, narrates the tales of those who have come together to share in moments of joy and sorrow. Experience the essence of New Zealand's unique culture, beautifully illustrated through personal stories and captivating images that bring to life a pivotal aspect of community bonding. Perfect for lovers of local history and culture, 'On A Saturday Night' is a must-read for anyone wishing to connect with the soul of New Zealand's close-knit communities and witness the enduring legacy of small-town camaraderie. Embrace the warmth and color of these rich narratives and discover the timeless significance of community halls throughout New Zealand's history.

Author: Michele Frey Publisher: Canterbury University Press
Bind: paperback

Pages: 260
Publication Date: 01-11-2012

On a Saturday Night is a warm and colourful celebration of the strength and spirit of small towns all around New Zealand. From Whakapara in the north to Mossburn in the South, community halls have been the focal point of small towns for as long as the towns have been on the map. These halls have hosted school classrooms, general elections, stag parties, birthday parties, film screenings, Rabbiters’ Balls, flag euchre evenings, farewells and welcome-home parties for servicemen from both world wars, memorial events for those who did not return, farm auctions, clearing sales, weddings, Christmas parties, Civil Defence teams, mayoral celebrations, church services … Some halls have been demolished and rebuilt over the decades, others have been lovingly restored several times and are still going strong. Some halls have been transported on the backs of trucks to new locations as towns have grown and changed. Fires and floods have taken their toll in more than a few cases. Michele Frey and Sara Newman visited these halls with photographers John Maillard (North Island) and John O’Malley (South Island) to talk to the locals and try to capture the essence of what each hall has meant - and means - to its community. In these stories and pictures they have recorded an aspect of New Zealand’s unique culture that seems to be passing into history.