This acrostic poem focuses on AUCKLAND in celebration of Auckland Anniversary Day. This public holiday is observed on the closest Monday to 29th January. Each letter spells out a word or phrase illustrated with six images to capture the spirit of Auckland.  

A = Auckland's architectural landmarks

When you think of Auckland, what are the architectural landmarks that spring to mind? Here is a selection of six iconic landmarks.

U = UNITing NZ nationally & provincially

Capital of New Zealand: After the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in February 1840, Governor William Hobson located the capital of NZ on the south side of Waitemata Harbour on land offered by Ngāti Whātua. The new settlement was named Auckland in honour of Hobson's patron and friend, George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland. Auckland Anniversary Day (29 January) was established in 1842 to commemorate the second anniversary of Hobson arriving in NZ in the Bay of Islands on 29 January 1840. As part of the celebrations, a small regatta was held on Waitemata Harbour (three races of two boats each).   

Auckland Province: The Auckland Province was established in 1853 and covered the top half of the North Island. For the province's anniversary holiday it took the date of the Auckland Anniversary Day (29 January). Although the provinces were abolished in 1876, the 29th January is still celebrated as a public holiday in the Auckland region, which is observed on the closest Monday to create a three-day weekend.  (See: Wikipedia: Auckland Anniversary)   

C = Culturally diverse people

Auckland has a population of about 1.5 million residents. Tāmaki (Auckland) has six iwi (tribes) in the region – Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai, Te Wai-o-Hua (who originate from Ngā Oho), Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei, Ngāti Te Ata and Te Kawerau-a-Maki. There are 63.9% of the Pacific, 62.6% of Asian ethnic group populations and 51.0%of the MELAA (Middle Eastern/Latin American/African) ethnic group population in NZ, according to the 2018 Census.  (See Te Ara: Story - Tāmaki tribes and Stats NZ)

K = Karangahape KaLEIDOSCOPE 

Auckland's most famous street is K Road which has expanded over the years with the development of entertainment businesses, shops, cafes, and apartments. The Karangahape Road ridge was part of the track used by Māori to reach the Manukau Harbour.  (See: https://kroad.com/heritage/the-meaning-of-karangahape/)

L = LARGE DEPARTMENT stores

Department stores began to be developed in the later 19th century as large shops in multi-storeyed buildings along Queen Street. Iconic stores like Smith & Caughey remain today. LynnMall, the country’s first shopping mall, opened in October 1963.  

A = Array of activities

A range of local, regional, national and international events have been held in Auckland over the years. Here is a selection:   

N = Notable Aucklanders

Several well-known Kiwis were born in Auckland. Here is a selection of six personalities:

 D = Do you know these six facts about Auckland?

 Find out more about acrostic poems:

• Read Write Think: Acrostic poem: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/printouts/acrostic-poem-30234.html
• Wiki How: How to write an acrostic poem: https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Acrostic-Poem
• Your dictionary: Acrostic poem examples & template: https://examples.yourdictionary.com/acrostic-poem-examples.html

 Find out more about Auckland & Auckland Anniversary Day: 

• NZ History: Auckland City: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/keyword/auckland
• Te Ara: Story - Auckland region: https://teara.govt.nz/en/auckland-region/page-7
• Waitangi Tribunal: The founding of Auckland: https://waitangitribunal.govt.nz/publications-and-resources/school-resources/orakei/the-founding-of-auckland/
• Wikipedia: Auckland Anniversary Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auckland_Anniversary_Day