Next month, Tauranga residents will have the chance to step into the spotlight and share the hidden stories behind family heirlooms, keepsakes, and curiosities at a special community event inspired by the ever-popular Antiques Roadshow.

Called Antics Roadshow, the evening will be held at Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library on Friday, September 12, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

The free event invites locals to bring along a photo, medal, taonga, or other meaningful item, and take the microphone to share the tale behind it.

From proud moments and family legends to quirky anecdotes and unsolved mysteries, the stories are expected to be as varied as the objects themselves.

Those who don’t have an item to present are still encouraged to attend, with organisers promising plenty of stories already lined up to entertain.

Amie Rolleston, Mātanga Taonga Tuku Iho Māori, said the evening is about more than simply displaying unusual objects.

“These may be items that don’t quite belong in a museum but still carry immense value in terms of memory, heritage, and connection. The evening is about the stories, the histories that surface, and the ways these items help us remember, connect, and pass knowledge on.

“We hope the event will reveal surprising pieces of a shared past, spark kōrero across generations, and highlight the value of everyday taonga found in our homes.”

Heritage specialist Harley Couper also plans to share a personal example.

He recently received from his father a small medallion won by his grandfather in 1926.

“For nearly a hundred years, this little object sat quietly in drawers, unnoticed,” said Couper.

“Yet once upon a time it was hard fought for and proudly presented. On the front is an intriguing symbol, and on the back some careful engraving.

“Why was he given it? How old was he at the time? It’s not a front-page story – more likely a line in the community notices – but I’d like to spend just a few minutes sharing this story during our first-ever Antics Roadshow.”

The event will include refreshments, and bookings are required through the library’s website.