A heritage stalwart was honoured at last night's official launch of the city's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Dunedin's Ann Barsby, founder of the Southern Heritage Trust, was awarded Dunedin's Bluestone Award, recognising her contribution to the preservation and promotion of Otago's heritage.
The launch of the three-day Layers of Gold 150th celebrations was held at the old Bank of New Zealand building on Princes St.
Last night was also the launch of John Barsby's illustrated brochure of the building's history, which housed the BNZ until 1989.
Opening the celebrations on behalf of Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull, deputy mayor Chris Staynes said it was fitting the event was in tandem with the 150th anniversary celebrations of the discovery of gold in Gabriel's Gully, because the gold rush transformed Dunedin into an important city of culture and commerce.
Many organisations and companies associated with Dunedin, including the BNZ, were celebrating their 150th anniversaries this year, he said.
Cr Staynes said the Dunedin festival team did a "wonderful job" co-ordinating the weekend's events, in the city, on Otago Harbour, Port Chalmers, Waikouaiti, Quarantine Island, Macandrew Bay and parts of Otago Peninsula.
Linking with Clutha to celebrate the twin anniversaries was the start of much greater regional co-operation throughout Otago and Southland, he said.
