History of auckland
The Establishment of Auckland
As part of a British colonial settlement, Auckland came into existence in 1840. Chosen as New Zealand's capital by the first governor, Lieutenant William Hobson, it remained that way until 1865 when the title was transferred to Wellington.
It was during this period that Auckland grew rapidly and by 1841 the population reached 2,000. Religion also spread during this time, with the Roman Catholic Church built in Freemans Bay and the Church of England built in Parnell.
By 1844 Queen, Princes and Shortland streets were formed and metalled. The government centre developed around the Princes Street area was the area for the Government House, parliament, the court and the barrack for the British 58th Regiment as well as the substantial homes of many of Auckland's leading citizens.
While initial development focussed on Commercial Bay at the bottom of Queen Street, by 1864 the limits of Auckland were Parnell in the east and Freemans Bay in the West. It was during this period, that Queen Street began to progressively overtake Shortland Street as the predominant commercial strip.
During the 1870s and 1880s there was a great surge in immigration. The population expanded from 7000 in 1861 to 33000 in 1886. In this period the Auckland Art Gallery and library, the hospital and many churches, hotels and commercial buildings were constructed.
The investment boom also encouraged the growth of Auckland's industries. Merchants and factory owners alike saw the advantages of land close to the port of Auckland. From the 1880s the area bounded by Customs, Queen, Quay and Breakwater Streets was developed with warehouse, factories, shipping offices and a 24-hour flour mill. The city's most prominent businesses were well represented in the area.
For a more detailed history of Auckland City please click here
For a Auckland City chronology 1840 - 1998 please click here
1186 GT Stevens perspective/birds eye view of the City of Auckland
Historical Buildings
1899 - Whitcoulls Building
1918 - The John Courts Building on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets
This prominent corner site lent itself to a grand architectural style. Designed by architect John Currie in 1899, the building was opened as a department store by John Court in 1910. In 1916, Court added three more stories in the same Victorian Italianate style. Today, Whitcoulls occupies the first three levels of the building, with the upper three levels apartments.
1911 - Town Hall
The Auckland Town Hall in 1912, at the apex of Queen Street and Greys Ave
Opened in 1911 and designed by J.Clark & Sons, Town Hall received much criticism throughout its construction. The main auditorium which seats 3,000 and the concert chamber 880, Town Hall filled a great need for a capacious public hall. Used as the council headquarters until 1955, in 1996 complete conservation and refurbishment was undertaken.
1912 - Ferry Building
The Ferry Building on Auckland's waterfront 1923
Designed by Alexander Wiseman and completed in 1912, the Ferry Building was erected by the Auckland Harbour Board as part of the wider improvement programme for the dock area. Today it remains a well-used facility for large numbers of ferry users, visitors and locals.
1927 - Smith and Caughey's Building
Today - Smith and Caughey's Building
Smith and Caughey's is the archetype and sole Auckland survivor of the great family department store. This significant Auckland landmark, completed in 1929, was designed by Roy Lippincott. And today, 128 years later, Smith & Caughey's has grown, becoming one of New Zealand's best-loved department stores.