tauranga cbd heritage study draft record form - Tauranga City Council

TAURANGA CBD HERITAGE STUDY DRAFT RECORD FORM 

LOCATION / STREET ADDRESS: 

6 Wharf Street (corner of The Strand and Wharf Street), Tauranga 

BUILDING NAME (IF ANY) 

1918 'Strand Buildings' 1935/36 'Munro's Building' 

ITEM NUMBER 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION 

Lot 68 DPN 8300 Sec 1 (Allot 6969 DP SO 441B1) 

OTHER LISTINGS 

Tauranga City Council Property File No: P 713061 to 7, Valuation No: 06602/02800, Plan No: 1279 

ZONING 

Commercial Business 

REGISTERED OWNER 

Mr. Peter Munro from 1896 1940 & Munro Trust c/ Griffiths Group, Penrose, Auckland from 1940 2007 

Insert Photo 

RELATIONSHIP TO THEMATIC FRAMEWORK 

Theme II & III The built CityDevelopment of Commercial areas & Industry and Commerce 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANCE 

This place has been assessed using heritage criteria from the Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Policy 

Statement. Munroes building is considered to be significant in terms of its architectural values, 

Group/context values and the evidence it provides of the of historic pattern of development in central 

Tauranga. It is an example of the work of two architects significant to Tauranga HH Clemson and HLD 

West who added a second level to the building in 1935. It forms part of a group of historic buildings on The 

Strand which make an important contribution to the established built character of the street and provide 

evidence of the earlier relationship with the waterfront. 

PERIOD / DATE OF CONSTRUCTION 

Inter War Commercial 1917/18 ground floor & 1935/36 upper floor. 

RARITY OR SPECIAL FEATURES 

Munro's building is an early example of InterWar reinforced concrete construction. 

REPRESENTATIVENESS 

CONTEXT OR GROUP VALUE 

The building forms part of an intact group of buildings dating from the 1930s located on The Strand. and 

contributes to the established 1930s character of the street.The buildings along The Strand provide 

evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part of the centre where typically twolevel or single 

level buildings were built up to the street edge, facing The Strand and the waterfront.Although periodic 

reclamations have altered the postion of the harbotur edge, the built edge still provides evidence of the 

earlier relationship.

DIVERSITY 

FRAGILITY OR VUNERABILITY 

Located in the Flood Hazard Policy Area 

ARCHAEOLOGICAL QUALITIES 

Information/Reseach/Recognition or Protection 

ARCHITECTURAL QUALITIES 

Style or type/Design 

Munro's Building was built in two stages 1917/18 a single storey with a second storey added in 1935/36, 

designed by H.L.D. West, Architect, Tauranga. The building is designed in a streamlined Moderne style, 

evident in its horizontal and clean lines with the curved corner and restrained decoration, including raised 

plaster lettering. The building has a textured plaster finish. The earlier construction of the initial single level 

stage is evident in the interior ceiling detail which remains in some of the ground floor shops. The 

veranadah and posts which were recently added to the building provide a vertical framework which adds 

interset but tends to override the original 1930s character and horizontal proportion of the exterior. 

Designer or builder 

Munro's Building provides evidence of the work of two significant architectural practices working in 

Tauranga in the early twentieth century. H.H. Clemson designed the first stage of the building which was 

single level, and built in 1917/18. Architect H.L.D. West designed an additional second floor in 1935/36.H 

H Clemson was a significant architect working in Tuaranga in the 1910s. He designed Hotel St Amand , 

located on The Strand and built in 1916 as well as the Tauranga Fire Station(1911) and Tauranga Public 

Hospital(1924). 

Architect H L D West was working in the Bay of Plenty region in the early decades of the 20th century and 

designed a number of significant buildings in Opotiki, Whakatane and Tauranga. His work includes a range 

of commercial and residential buildings. Harold West was the borough architect for Tauranga when he died 

at the age of fifty ( date?). He had his own plane which he used to fly over to Thames and other places to 

carry out work. He designed the Tauranga Ladies Rest Room (now demolished, the coloured plan for which 

is in the Tauranga Library) He trained under his father was also an architect, working in Christchurch and 

Timaru. West lived in Mission Street in Tauranga towards the end of his life. 

H L D West or the practice of Whincup and West are responsible for a number of significant buildings in 

Opotiki including Patterson’s Building, Rostgard’s Building, the Masonic Hotel, the former Bridger’s 

building, Arthur’s and Larmer’s buildings in Church Street, as well as a car showroom building. All of these 

utilise a similar range of decorative motifs and detail and make a strong contribution to the built character 

of Opotiki. 

In Whakatane H L D West designed the Plunket Building, and Bridgers Building. West designed a number 

of buildings in Tauranga during the 1930s, including Hardleys Building at 31 Devonport Road designed in 

1934, alterations to Munro’s Building in 1935 and the building at 45 The Strand, built in 1936.He designed 

houses including the Patterson House at 40 Brown Street and is thought to have designed a house for A J 

LeCren in Devonport Road. 

Construction 1917/18 & 1935/36 

The single original single storeyed part of the building, built in 1918 was constructed of reinforced concrete 

and the foundations were designed to take additional levels.

A six foot passage led from Wharf Street to the back of the new premises; a concrete stairwell gave 

access to the roof. The shops on Wharf Street were designed that if any one shop needed to be enlarged, 

the curtain wall could easily be removed. All shops were fitted with electric light. The Bay of Plenty Times 

reported that the 'Strand Buildings' was an imposing structure and a valuable addition to the main Street. In 

1935 P Munro Esq planned to construct an upper storey for his block of shops on the corner of The Strand 

and Wharf Street. It appears that the architectural firms of C.H.D. Porter and H.L.D. West drew plans for 

the new addition to Munros building. However, it was West who was given the contract and plans and 

specifications were drawn by 26 November 1935. A block of offices and tearooms were to be erected 

above the existing building designed (1917) with a flat concrete roof , so another floor could be added at a 

later stage. Tenders closed at 5pm Friday 15 November 1935; a deposit of 11/2% was required on the 

amount of the tender. A penalty of £10 was imposed for each week past the completion date. 

Additions and alterations: (a) 1956 Montrose Ltd alterations £200. (b) 1961 Jamierson and Hawkins 

employed H.W.Dudson to alter one of Munro's shops for a milk bar; the work cost £200. (c) 1967 Acheson 

& Stewart registered architects designed a new verandah; the builder was W. Gartshore at a cost of £800. 

(d) January 1968 Acheson & Stewart designed additions and alterations for shop 1 for K.M. Griffiths and 

for upgrading the rear yard; the builder was J.E. Wills at a cost of $2,300.00. (e) 1969 Shop three and 

eight had their shop fronts altered; the builder was Jack Griffiths Ltd at a cost of $1,600.00. (f)1970 

alterations by builder J.W. Rowbottom ($760) and plumber/drainlayer G. Simpson (450) were carried out 

for Mrs. Pooley's Sauna Clinic. (g) 1989 Alterations by Tauranga Plumbing and Hardware at cost of $900 

was for Seafront Coffee Lounge. (h) 1991 Page Henderson Architects Te Puke drew plans to rennovate 6 

12 Wharf Street for a Brasserie. The building work was done by Partridge Construction Ltd, the Plumbing 

work by Tauranga Hardware Ltd and the drain laying work by W.H. Kelly Ltd. 

HISTORIC QUALITIES 

Historic Pattern 

The first businesses in Tauranga were established around the 1870s along The Strand and Wharf Street, 

located close to the harbour’s edge. The Strand was the centre for daily business. A row of typically small 

scale wooden buildings here housed businesses such as chemists, drapers, and bakers. Two storied timber 

hotels on The Strand were some of Tauranga’s most substantial early buildings. A number of early hotels 

on The Strand were destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the early twentieth century and some of these remain, 

together with some early commercal buildings. In the early twentieth century Spring Street and Devonport 

Road began to develop as the main retail and commercial area in Tauranga, and progressive 

reclamations, particularly in the early 1920s for the railway changed the relationship of The Strand with the 

harbour. 

In 1917 Peter Munro employed the architectural services of H.H. Clemson to design a single storey 

concrete building on the corner of The Strand and Wharf Street, to replace a collection of wooden buildings 

on the site which were destroyed by fire in 1916. Munro's 1918 building had a frontage along The Strand of 

66 feet and the Wharf Street frontage was 126 feet .It was constructed in reinforced concrete, had walls 

five inches in depth, beams and piers constructed of reinforced concrete with a flat concrete roof covered 

in Certainteed waterproofing.. The pile foundations were designed to take the weight of a four storied 

building. The roof was laid by by Messrs John Chambers & Sons Ltd. The exterior finish was designed with 

Harcourt Granite imported from Australia and interspersed with Swedish blue pearl granite. The shop 

entrances were laid with interlocking mosaic tiles. The interior walls and ceilings were finished in a white 

lime plaster and Keene's cement; this work was undertaken by A. Joll of Hamilton. The ceilings had 

plastered cornices and other embellishments. The interior painting was carried out by J.W.P. Snelgrove with the joinery w 

The corner shop was fitted with extensive counters and fittings, with ample window space compartments; it 

was reported in the Bay of Plenty Times 8 May 1918 that Munro's premises would be ideal for a drapery 

and mercery business. The adjoining shop and the one next to it had been let to Messrs A.G. Fell (chemist) 

and J. Robertson (watchmaker and jeweller). The end shop on the Strand was reported to be suitable for a 

restaurant and tea rooms as it had a floor space of 1000 sqft. The five shops on Wharf Street varied in size 

to suit different types of business's.

Peter Munro was the stepson of James Bodell who became a well established busiessman in Tauranga. He 

owned a cordial factory behind his premises (lot 69) of Auctioneers & Agents in 1867/68. As illustrated in 

the Burgess Roll of the Borough of Tauranga (188687) Munro established himself as a grocer (161 Sec 1) 

(the same as the corner allotment The Strand and Wharf Streets). On 23 March 1891Munro married Miss 

Ida Matilda Rhodes (Munro was 28 and Ida was 24) whose father had been a former Mayor of Tauranga; 

the Munro's had three children. In 1896 he owned the corner allotment of The Strand and Wharf Streets. In 

1910 Munro retired from his business, and he sold it to J. Cunningham of Picton in 1911. However, Munro 

remained the owner of the commercial property. In 1912 he employed the services of Vickery & Bluck to 

move his store from Cameron Road and his shop from Wharf Street to the corner of The Strand and Wharf 

Street. On 12 November 1916 Munro's block of wooden buildings was destroyed by fire. By 1918 Munro 

had rebuilt a new single storey concrete premises that consisted of nine shops. 

In 1935 Munro employed the architectural services of H.L.D. West to design an upper storey. 

Associative Value 

The building is associated with Peter Munro who was a prominant early Tauranga businessman, who 

established his grocers business in the mid 1880s. Munro was involved in community works including the 

planting of a number of palms at Mount Maunganui in 1911; assisted by a Borough workman A. Hay , and 

served as a Tauranga Borough councillor. Munro owned a farm 'Gardenhurst' which was sold to C.T. 

Wallis of Hokianga on the 27 May 1901.Munro was one of Tauranga's largest property owners. He died 

aged 75 in December 1940. 

SCIENTIFIC QUALITIES 

Information/Potential Research 

TECHNOLOGICAL QUALITIES 

Technical Achievement 

In 1918 Munro had the foresight to construct his new building with a pile foundation that would withstand 

the weight of a four storied building. 

CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUE 

Sentiment 

Munro's building was constructed on a prominent corner site in Tauranga's Central Business District. 

Identity 

Munro's building contributes to the established built character of The Strand, providing evidence of the type 

of early buildings built along Tauranga's waterfront, particularly during the 1930s.. 

Amenity 

Education 

INTEGRITY / CURRENT CONDITION 

The building appears to be in reasonable condition.Alterations carried out in the 1990s included the 

construction of a tubular steel frame which extends from the façade and supports a balcony and the 

verandah, giving the building a nautical flavour. The intrinsic character of the reinforced, plastered 

concrete building is still evident beneath this verandah structure.Some ground level shops still retain 

original ceiling detail, which is likelt to date from the original 1917/18 period of construction. 

REFERENCE SOURCES 

Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, UBD Directories, Bay of Plenty Times, Phillips and 

Arabin, Archaelogical Survey Tauranga City CBD Te Papa (Tauranga, 2003), Burgess Roll of the Borough 

188687, Tauranga City Council Property Files . Sheppard Collection, Architecture Library, Auckland 

University. 

LAND INFORMATION 

In 1896 Peter Munro owned the corner allotment of The Strand and Wharf Street. 

PHOTOGRAPHS (HISTORICAL)

insert photo 

Top:View of The Strand c 1870s. Image 04213 Tauranga Library 

Below: The Strand 1918 Image 991295 Tauranga Library 

PREPARED BY: 

Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd, Jennie Gainsford and Lisa Truttman. 

FOR: 

TAURANGA DISTRICT COUNCIL AND ENVIRONMENT BAY OF PLENTY 

DATE OF SURVEY 

Apr07 

PHOTOGRAPHED:Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd



67 The Strand, Tauranga 


Horney Bull Café and Bar 

ITEM NUMBER 


Northern Part Lot 57 of Sec 1 Town of Tauranga 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P6060 67 1 & 2, Valuation No: 6602/01400, Plan No: 2077 

ZONING 


OWNERS 

1910 Thomas Tanner, c1940 Misses Anne and Eva Tanner, 1987 A.G. Hynds, 2000 Paul Reynolds 

Insert Photo 


Theme ii The Built City development of commercial areas. Theme iii Industry and Commerce 



Statement. Constructed in 1910 for Thomas Tanner, 67 The Strand clearly represents a typical colonial 

structure, and the type of early development which occurred on The Strand in Tauranga. 67 The Strand is 

one of Tauranga's earliest commercial buildings that is still extant. It is associated with Thomas Tanner and 

his brothers who were prominent early businessmen in Tauranga. The building was designed/built by Thos. 

Kirk who was also responsible for another early commercial building nearby at 61The Strand.The building 

provides evidence of the early pattern of development and type of commercial development on The 

Strand, which was the focus of early business life in central Tauranga, and makes an important contribution 

to the established character of the street.The buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic 

pattern of development in this part of the centre where typically twolevel or single level buildings were 

built up to the street edge, facing The Strand and the waterfront. 


Edwardian Commercial 1910 (the commercial property was constructed in the reign of Edward VI) It is 

one of the earliest remaining commercial buildings in central Tauranga. 



This is one of few remaining examples of the early form of commercial development in Tauranga. 


The building forms part of a group of buildings dating from the early twentieth century located on The 

Strand and makes an important contribution to the established character of the street.Surviving early 

commercial buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part 

of the centre where typically twolevel or single level buildings were built up to the street edge, facing The 

Strand and the waterfront. Although periodic reclamations have altered the postion of the harbour edge, 

the built edge still provides evidence of the earlier relationship, and buildings such as this one provide 

evidence of earlier commercial development in Tauranga's CBD. 

DIVERSITY 

As one of few early surviving commercial buildings in central Tauranga , this building contributes to the 

diversity of the built environment in the CBD. 




Information/Reseach/Recognition or Protection

The site potentially retains evidence of pre 1900 activity. Sites within this part of Tauranga arguably 

contain the most significant archaeological resources within the city relating to both Maori and pre 1900 

European activity. An archaeological survey carried out in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and Shirley Arabin) 

revealed an extensive archaeological landscape with the potential to add significantly to understanding of 

the formative years of Tauranga City. Further arcaheological investigation of sites during any 

redevelopment is recommended, to record evidence. Refer U14/3144 Archaeological Survey 2004. 



In 1910 Thomas Tanner commissioned Thos. Kirk to design and build a twostorey building at 67 The 

Strand. The exterior design was simple and symetrically arranged with a plain stepped parapet above a 

timber cornice supported on timber brackets. The building has an unpainted brick side wall (visible on the 

north side) and was constructed with a concrete floor and timber framed first floor and roof , clad in 

corrugated iron . The upper part of the facade has been covered with a sheet material. Profiled steel 

cladding is used on the south side wall and beneath the upper level windows. The shopfronts have all been 

modified periodically. The ground floor area was 306 sq ft and it appears the original layout may have 

consisted of six rooms including tea room (back left) and an office (back right). Inside to the left a stairwell 

provided access to the upstairs rooms. Opening skylights were included in the original design. 

The ground floor interior of the chemist shop had cedar cabinetry, bent plated glass shelves and tinted 

paper; the first floor had skylights, painted walls and papered ceilings. An outside staircase gave access to 

the upper floor. The brick work was constructed by W. Crump and the decorative work by Messrs Stewart 

and Shaw. 


Builder/Architect Thos. Kirk, who was also responsible for a building of a similar age at 61 The Strand. 

Construction 

The commercial property at 67 The Strand was constructed in 1910, and is of brick (side walls) and timber 

framed construction with a corrugated iron roof. 

Additions and alterations have included:(a) in 1940 alterations were made to the building. (b) Plans were 

drawn by G.W. Johnston for further additions and alterations in 1958. A divison wall was removed, one wall 

was reduced to bench height, a wall was removed between the front of the shop and the one behind. The 

builder was Cuthburt & Shrimpton, Grange Road, Otumioetai at a cost of £300. These additions were for 

the establishment of a coffee house for P.B. Goodwin. (c) 1959 building alterations cost £700 plumbing 

and drainage work by Bould & Black that cost £80. (d) 1961 a neon light with the words 'Tea Coffee' was 

added (Claude Neon Lights, 91 Hobson Street, Auckland) plus a sign was added under the verandah roof 

with 'Kats Whisker Coffee Lounge'.(e) 1962 the verandah was renewed at a cost of £250; the coffee 

lounge was now called the Hibiscus Coffee Lounge. 

(f) 1978 alterations for the newly established Colonial Coffee Lounge (g) 1987 a new kitchen was 

supplied by Avenue 15. (g) The Strand bookshop (h) 1996 Mongolian Feast (i) 1999 draughtsman Brendon 

Gordon designed alterations to the existing retail shopfor a cafe/restaurant 'Tapa's Bar' , which cost 

$200,000.00. (j) 2002 Horny Bull cafe & bar. 







on The Strand were destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the early twentieth century and some of these remain. 

In the early twentieth century Spring Street and Devonport Road began to develop as the main retail and 

commercial area in Tauranga, and progressive reclamations, particularly in the early 1920s for the railway 

changed the relationship of The Strand with the harbour. 

The Tanner Bros opened a butchery business in Wharf Street in February 1882, and by 1909 they owned 

three butchers shops in Tauranga: 11th avenue, The Strand and Mount Maungauni. In 1910 Thomas 

Tanner commissioned Thos Kirk to design and build a new twostorey commercial building on the Strand, 

Tauranga. This was completed by the end of 1910. The ground floor rooms were rented to Mr. M.J. 

Murielees a pharmacist who operated a chemist shop 'Grand Pharmacy', which faced The Strand, a 

dispensing shop located directly behind it and in the third room was a doctors sugery that was rented by 

Drs. Stuart and Bucknill. Upstairs rooms were utilised by W.P. Sommerville as a dental surgery. In 1911, 

Thomas Tanner purchased his brothers butcher shop on The Strand and at Mount Maunganui. His brother 

Henry Tanner died on the 20 April 1938. Anne and Eva Tanner inherited the building from their uncle. The 

building's interior was altered in 1940. In 1987 the Miss Anne and Eva Tanner sold the commercial 

property to A.G. Hynds. In 2000 the property was owned by Paul Reynolds. 

Associative Value

The building is associated with H Tanner who together with his brothers, was an important early Taranga 

businessman as well as serving as a borough and county councillor. 






Sentiment 

Identity 

The building at 67 The Strand contributes to the established built character of The Strand, providing 

evidence of the type of early buildings built along Tauranga's waterfront around the late 19th and early 20th 

century. It is one of the earliest remaining buildings in central Tauranga. 

Amenity 

Education 


The building appears to be in fair condition. Changes have been made to the exterior cladding, windows 

and shopfronts and interior alterations have been periodically made.Original timber t&g ceilings remain at 

the upper level. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property File and Bay of Plenty 

Times 


Area of section was 9.2 perches in 1959. 

PHOTOGRAPHS (HISTORICAL) 

insert photo 

Top:The Strand 1870s. Image 04213 Tauranga Library 

Below: The Strand 1918. The building at 67 The Strand is visible in this photo to right of centre. Image 99 

1295 Tauranga Library 

PREPARED BY: 


FOR: 



Apr07 




61(A & B) The Strand, Tauranga 


The Buddha Lounge(former Tanners Building) 

ITEM NUMBER 


Pt lot 1 DP 16699 of 52/53 and Lot 3 DP 21837 of Sec 54 of Sec 1(1996 Tauranga District Council Land 

Information 6163 The Strand Pt Lot 1 DP 16699 Lot 3 DP21837 Lot 1 & 2 DP 21837) 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P6060612, Valuation No: 06602/0/200 

ZONING 



1910 Henry Tanner, c1949 A. Carew Esq, 2004 R.C.J. Harris Tate Trustees Ltd. 

Insert Photo 


Theme ii The Built City development of commercial areas, Theme iii Industry and Commerce 



Statement. Constructed in 1910 for Henry Tanner, 61 The Strand clearly represents a typical colonial 

structure, and the type of early development which occurred on The Strand in Tauranga. 61 The Strand is 

one of Tauranga's earliest commercial buildings that is still extant. It is associated with Henry Tanner and 

his brothers were prominent businessmen in Tauranga. The building was designed/built by Thos. Kirk who 

was also responsible for another early commercial building nearby at 67 The Strand.The building provides 

evidence of the early pattern of development and type of commercial development on The Strand, which 

was the focus of early business life in central Tauranga, and makes an important contribution to the 

established character of the street.The buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern 

of development in this part of the centre where typically twolevel or single level buildings were built up to 

the street edge, facing The Strand and the waterfront. 


Edwardian Commercial 1910 (completed by August Bay of Plenty Times) 


61 The Strand is one of Tauranga's earliest commercial buildings that is still extant. 


This is one of few remaining examples of the early form of commercial development in Tauranga. 


The building forms part of a group of buildings dating from the early twentieth century located on The 

Strand and makes an important contribution to the established character of the street.Surviving early 

commercial buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part 


Strand and the waterfront. Although periodic reclamations have altered the postion of the harbour edge, 

the built edge still provides evidence of the earlier relationship, and buildings such as this one provide 

evidence of earlier commercial development in Tauranga's CBD. 

DIVERSITY 

As one of few early surviving commercial buildings in central Tauranga , this building contributes to the 

diversity of the built environment in the CBD. 







Edwardian simple two storey commercial building with a stepped façade and plain curved parapet . 


Builder/Architect Thos. Kirk, who also designed and built the building at 67 The Strand. 

Construction 

In 1910 Henry Tanner commissioned Thos Kirk a builder/architect to design and build a twostorey building 

on The Strand. The building was 1000sq ft and was first tenneted by E. Chadman who operated a 

hairdresser's and billard saloons (on the ground and first floors). The exterior design consisted of: plate 

glass windows, a bull nosed verandah supported on iron columns with a decorative iron freize and a 

prominent stepped parapet. The interior ground floor layout contained two rooms; on the first floor there 

were four compartments. The building was decorated throughout with dado's, stencilled friezes, 

compressed steel ceilings and richly embossed wallappers. Messrs Stewart and Shaw decorated the 

interior of the building and Messrs Davies Bros the plumbing. In 1918 early photographs show Tanner's 

building on The Strand. The next owner was A Carew Esq (1949), which was recorded in the Tauranga City 

Council property file. It appears Carew may have owned the building prior to 1949. Additions and 

alterations: (a) Carew applied to council for a permit to build new toilets in the billard saloon that had been 

destroyed by fire in 1949. 

(b) 1951 office additions for Brent Wagstaff area of the building 26ft x 60ft; created four new downstairs 

offices, two on The Strand and two at the back; a sky light was placed over the area between the offices. 

Beaded glass was placed in the upper louvres; the alterations cost £500. (c) 1952 alterations for a dental 

surgery; the builder was Mclean & Co., and the plumber was D. Licki; the total cost was £600. (d) In 1954 

Hal N. Wagstaff A.I.A.A., M.S.I.A. (London) architect, Triangle building, Tauranga designed extensions for 

Carew. The builder was Commercial Construction Co., Ngatai Road, Otumometai and the plumber and 

drainlayer were the Freeth Bros. of Judea. (e) In 1976 one of the the tenents operated a barber shop. (f) In 

1983 the shop front was demolished and a new one was constructed. These alterations were designed by 

Dennis Pocock B Arch A.N.Z.I.A, 59 The Strand, Tauranga; the build cost $9,000.00. (f) the building was 

converted into a restaurant called Soul Bar in 1994. (g) In 2001 the ground floor restaurant was Hot on the 

Rocks and the upstairs was Buddah Lounge restaurant and bar ( 61B The Strand 2003). 











Constructed in 1910 for Henry Tanner, 61 The Strand clearly represents a typical colonial structure, and 

the type of early development which occurred on The Strand in Tauranga. Henry Tanner and his brothers 

were prominent businessmen in Tauranga. They owned three butcher shops located at: 11th avenue, The 

Strand and Mount Maunganui. H. Tanner had owned a farm at Rangiuru. he moved to Tauranga and built 

a house in 16th Avenue. He was a Tauranga Borough and County Councillor. Mr A. Carew purchased the 

building about 1949; this was a commercial venture, he operated his shoe shop in the Triangle building 

opposite the Star Hotel and had operated from these premises for some time. 


The building is associated with H Tanner who together with his brothers, was an important early Taranga 

businessman as well as serving as a borough and county councillor. 






Sentiment 

Identity 

Amenity 

Education 

INTEGRITY / CURRENT CONDITION

The building has been periodically modified and is fair to poor condition. The flashing to the parapet is 

rusted and timber detailing to the cornice is deteriorated in places. A painted/plastered sheet cladding has 

been applied to the façade and is cracked in some places. Aluminium joinery has replaced earlier timber 

windows to the upper level and shopfronts have been modified periodically. A balcony has been added to 

the upper level, supported on posts with glass and aluminium framed balustrade.Side walls clad in 

corrugated iron sheets in varied condition. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property Files, Bradburys 1922 

and Bay of Plenty Times. 


1952 the area of the section was 0012.57. The building was sited in a east/west position. 


insert photo 

The Strand 1918 . The building is visible in this photo to the right of centre. Image 991295 Tauranga 

Library 

The Strand 1870s. Image 04213 Tauranga Library 

PREPARED BY: 


FOR: 



Apr07 

PHOTOGRAPHED: 

Matthews & Matthews Architects Ltd



55 The Strand( Formerly 12 Hamilton Street), Tauranga 


Former Mrs Lamport's Building 

ITEM NUMBER 


Lot 1 DPS 83980 & Lot 2 DP 16699 (previously Lot 1 & 2 & Pt Lot 1 DP16699 being Pt 52 & all 53 of Sec 

1) CT 498/294 & 35B/65 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P6060551, Valuation No: 0660201100, Plan No: 673 

ZONING 



1936 1976 Mrs. M.E. Lamport, 1981 1988 A.G. & R.M. Hynds, 

Insert Photo 





Statement. The building at 55 The Strand is considered important because of its historic significance, its 

architectural significance , its group and context significance, as part of a comparatively intact group of 

buildings along The Strand dating from the early twentieth century, which provide evidence of the earlier 

relationship of the city with the waterfront.The building at 55 The Strand is a good example of the work of 

architectural practice Holman Moses and Watkins, who also designed a number of suignificant buildings in 

Auckland . It forms part of a broader group of structures representing an important period of development 

in central Tauranga in the 1930s when a number of commercial buildings were built, particularly on The 

Strand, Spring Street and in Devonport Road which contribute to the identity of Tauranga's CBD. It has a 

long association with Mrs Lamport who operarted a drapery business, and provides evidence of the earlier 

function of The Strand which was the aerly focus for retail bvusiness in Tauranga. 


Inter War Commercial 1935 




The building forms part of an intact group of buildings dating from the 1930s located on The Strand, close 

to the corner of Harrington Street. Together with the adjacent building at 45 The Strand, and other 1930s 

buildings along The Strand, it makes an important contribution to the established character of the 

street.The buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part 


Strand and the waterfront. Although periodic reclamations have altered the postion of the harbotur edge, 

the built edge still provides evidence of the earlier relationship.t forms part of a broader group of structures 

representing an important period of development in central Tauranga in the 1930s when a number of 

commercial buildings were built, particularly on The Strand, Spring Street and in Devonport Road. 

DIVERSITY 



ARCHAEOLOGICAL QUALITIES


The site at the corner of Hamilton Street and The Strand is where the Joshua Wright, draper and clothier, 

established his business in 1879. In 1918 it was the location of Hartley's Drapery. The site potentially 

retains evidence of pre 1900 activity. Sites within this part of Tauranga arguably contain the most 

significant archaeological resources within the city relating to both Maori and pre 1900 European activity. 

An archaeological survey carried out in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and Shirley Arabin) revealed an extensive 

archaeological landscape with the potential to add significantly to understanding of the formative years of 

Tauranga City. Further arcaheological investigation of sites during any redevelopment is recommended, to 

record evidence. Refer U14/3144 Archaeological Survey 2004. 



The design of the building incorporates aspects of the Moderne and demonstartes the progression towards 

the International Modern style.The simple , asymetrical arrangement of the building forms emphasises the 

horizontal proportion of elements .This is apparnt in the low relief detail such as the fluted detail to the 

band at the top of the facade and top of the balcony. The windows are horizontally proportioned and this is 

further emphasized by the projecting hood above them.The building design was suited to its waterfront 

location with upper level room opening onto a balcony. 


Holman, Moses & Watkins Registered Architects, 34 Vulcan Lane Buildings, Auckland. The architectural 

practice of Holman and Moses and Holman Moses and Watkins were a significant architectural practice, 

based in Auckland in the 1920s. They designed numerous houses as well as St Cuthberts College (c 1924) 

in Auckland and the Vulcan Building (1928) on the corner of Vulcan Lane and Queen Street in 

Auckland.The building at 55 The Strand shows a progression in the style of their work from stripped 

Classical to a more modern aesthetic. 

Construction 

The building is constructed of reinforced concrete and plastered brick. The architect's specifications 

stated that materials from the demolished building must be removed and not reused in the construction of 

the new building, except for the plate glass. Building materials used in the construction were sourced from 

Winstones, and included Wilson's Portland cement, hydraulic lime, Medusa cement, gibralter board, black 

end felt, shingle, exterior lustre stucco, bricks (best grade from Auckland) and Andersons No 5 felt. 

Reinforced construction componets that had to be reinforced were: the foundations, the beams, the bands, 

the columns, the corbels, the walls, the parapets and the floors. All steel used in reinforcing must have 

been B.E.S.C. specified. (a) Brick work external walls 41/3" & 3" thick with a backing of reinforced 

concrete. (b) Balconettes formed concrete slabs and paparpets and reinforced with 100ft of M.S. Rods 

(F.O.R. Auckland) Wrought Iron balustrade. (c) Exterior plastered with cement plaster 1/2" ( ) thick finished 

with Winstone's exterior lustre stucco the back wall and the backs of parapets to be lined with stonework and tuck pointed. 

(d) Outbuildings and garage (three leaf No: 40 Redwood pattern from H & P catalogue).(e) Interior finish 

for: the first floor, the shops, the store rooms including walls, the stallboards, the columns, the corbels and 

some ceilings and concrete and bricks had to be plastered in cement plaster. (f) Shop Entrance was tiled to 

the pattern that was approved by Mrs. Lamport. (g) Timber joinery first class kauri and totara, roof timbers 

best grade rimu, flooring rimu. (h) Flat roof roofed in Wintex roofing. (i)Stair well constructed in totara. (j) 

Fibrous plaster used in the ceilings, shops and garage. (k) five skylights. (l) Shop fronts Queensland 

Maple used for shop fronts, door frames and doors and all exposed woodwork was french polished. 











The site at the corner of Hamilton Street and The Strand is where the Joshua Wright, draper and clothier, 

established his business in 1879 in a two storeyed timber building, with a single level wing which extended 

to the corner of Hamilton Street. A verandah supported on posts extended around both street fronatges. In 

1918 it was the location of Hartley's Drapery.

In 1935 Mrs. M.E. Lamport commissioned the Auckland architectural firm of Holman, Moses & Watkins to 

design new offices and shops at 12 Hamilton Street, Tauranga; the architects No. 4 plan was accepted. 

Before building could comence an existing structure( assumed to be Joshua Wright's timber shop) was 

demolished in 1935.Tenders for the new building closed on On Wednesday 27 November 1935. and the 

building was to be completed within 14 weeks. Damages for non completion were set at £2 per day. After 

her marriage to A. Lamport, Mrs. Lamport moved her business 'Hartleys' to her new premises in 1936. In 

1939 she commissioned C.B. Watkins A.N.Z.I.A. an Auckland architect to design additions and alterations 

to her recently constructed building, which cost £2,300.00. Alterations and additions to the mezzanine floor 

plan were designed by C.B. Watkin, Architect; the builder was Fraser with the cost of the work being £160. 

Additions and alterations for Mrs Lamport continued up to 1976 (she died on 7 February 1976); the building 

was sold to Mr. A.G. and R.M. Hynds in 1981. 

In 1986 one of the shops was occupied by Lamsons Restaurant; the alterations were designed by 

Ronwright & Associates, Architects, Federal Street, Auckland. In 1988 the registered owner of the building 

was Ian Bruce Snow. In 1990, 55 Wharf Street was surveyed by Shrimpton & Lipinski Ltd. Two businesses 

planned alterations, they were: Shu Lim & Ken Shui Ching Lam and Nodal Developments & Huljich 

Property Developments. Others include; 1991 ground floor Christian Life World Outreach, 1995, 

Flannigans Irish Pub and 1999 Harbourview Chinese Restaurant. In 2004 it was occupied by Flannigans 

Irish Pub. 


The building is associated with Mrs M E Lamport and her business Hartley's which appear to have been 

associated with the site since 1918, and with Mrs Lamport in this building from the time of its construction 

in 1935 until her death in 1976. . 






Sentiment 

Identity 

The building contributes to the established built character of The Strand, providing evidence of the type of 

early buildings built along Tauranga's waterfront, particularly during the 1930s.. 

Amenity 

Education 


The building has been periodically altered, but retains its original exterior character resaonably intact. The 

original widow joinery remains at the upper level. An open balcony at the upper level has been enclosesd 

at some stage with aluminium windows.Ground floor shopfronts have been modified, currently with schist 

stone facings to pilasters. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property Files and Tauranga 

book add ref 



insert photo 

The Strand 1918 Image 991295 Tauranga Library 

The Strand c 1870s. Joshua Wrights Drapery, on the site at the corner of The Strand and Hamilton Road, 

is the two level building just to the right of centre, with three windows at the upper level.The Strand . Image 

04213 Tauranga Library 

PREPARED BY: 


FOR: 



Apr07 






ITEM NUMBER 


DPS Lot 13 of Sec 1 Tauranga Town 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P6060451&2, Valuation No: 6602/004/00, Plan No: 7837 

ZONING 



1936 J.G. Green, c 1985 G. Tibbetts, 1994 J.R. Skipper 

Insert Photo 





Statement. The building at 45 The Strand is considered to be significant in terms of its architectural values, 

Group/context values and the evidence it provides of the of historic pattern of development in central 

Tauranga. It is a good example of the work of architect HLD West who designed a number of commercial 

and residential buildings in the Bay of Plenty in the early 20th century and was the Tauranga Borough 

architect. It forms part of a group of historic buildings on The Strand which make an important contribution 

to the established built character of the street and provide evidence of the earlier relationship with the 

waterfront. 

This building and the adjacent 1930s Tauranga Hotel form a strong and consistent edge to The Strand in 

this location.It forms part of a broader group of structures representing an important period of 

development in central Tauranga in the 1930s when a number of commercial buildings were built, 

particularly on The Strand, Spring Street and in Devonport Road which contribute to the identity of 

Tauranga's CBD. 


Inter War Commercial 1936 



The building is a good example of the type of development occurring in Tauranga in the 1930s, which was 

a significant period of redevelopment. Numerous new buildings were built at this time in lower Devonport 

Road and along The Strand.



to the corner of Harrington Street. Together with the adjacent Tauranga Hotel, and other 1930s buildings 

along The Strand, it makes an important contribution to the established 1930s character of the street.The 

buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part of the 

centre where typically twolevel or single level buildings were built up to the street edge, facing The Strand 

and the waterfront.Although periodic reclamations have altered the postion of the harbotur edge, the built 

edge still provides evidence of the earlier relationship. 

DIVERSITY 

The building contributes to the diversity of central Tauranga, which still retains buildings from a range of 

periods. 





The site potentially retains evidence of pre 1900 activity. Sites within this part of Tauranga arguably 

contain the most significant archaeological resources within the city relating to both Maori and pre 1900 

European activity. An archaeological survey carried out in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and Shirley Arabin) 

revealed an extensive archaeological landscape with the potential to add significantly to understanding of 

the formative years of Tauranga City. Further arcaheological investigation of sites during any 

redevelopment is recommended, to record evidence. Refer U14/3145 Archaeological Survey 2004. 



The building combines elements of the stripped classical and Art Deco styles,commonly used for many 

retail and commercail buildings of this period throuhout New Zealand. The central bay of the building 

projects slightly forward of the side bays. Decorative features include diamond patterns to panels above 

the central doorway, a fluted horizontal plastered band giving the impression of a cornice, and a timber 

flagpole on a circular mount. It has a plastered surface finished with fine lines to resemble Ashlar stone 

work, and a suspended verandah.The use of low relief and restrained use of decorative detail would have 

given the building a very modern apperance when first built. The steel framed window design is also typical 

of buildings of this period , with large openings divided in to multiple panes. This building has strong 

similarities with the Hardley Building in Devonport Road, which was also designed by architect H.L.D West. 


Architect H.L.D. West, Tauranga 

Architect H L D West was working in the Bay of Plenty region in the early decades of the 20th century and 

designed a number of significant buildings in Opotiki, Whakatane and Tauranga. His work includes a range 

of commercial and residential buildings. Harold West was the borough architect for Tauranga when he died 

at the age of fifty ( date?). He had his own plane which he used to fly over to Thames and other places to 

carry out work. He designed the Tauranga Ladies Rest Room (now demolished, the coloured plan for which 

is in the Tauranga Library) He trained under his father was also an architect, working in Christchurch and 

Timaru. West lived in Mission Street in Tauranga towards the end of his life. 


Opotiki including Patterson’s Building, Rostgard’s Building, the Masonic Hotel, the former Bridger’s 

building, Arthur’s and Larmer’s buildings in Church Street, as well as a former car showroom at 16 King 

Street. All of these utilise a similar range of decorative motifs and detail and make a strong contribution to 

the built character of Opotiki. 

In Whakatane H L D West designed the Plunket Building, and Bridgers Building. West designed a number 

of buildings in Tauranga during the 1930s, including Hardleys Building at 31 Devonport Road designed in 

1934, alterations to Munro’s Building in 1935 and the building at 45 The Strand, built in 1936.He designed 

houses including the Patterson House at 40 Brown Street and is thought to have designed a house for A J 

LeCren in Devonport Road. 

Construction

Construction materials and exterior finishes used in the construction of Green's building: aggregate (metal 

chips and screenings @ 15/ & 12/ per yard respectively), Sand (coarse 9/ and fine 6/), cement (Wilson's 

Portland fresh and dry), reinforcement (mild steel), timber (all sleepers, joists in upper and lower floors in 

heart rimu, flooring rimu, interior finished in good medium grade rimu, stairwell rimu and skirting boards 

bevelled), concrete (walls, piers and ground floor beams), window frames (shop windows £79 was 

allocated for Monel metal frames, which were glazed with Pilkington plate glass first floor windows 

£80/10/ was allocated for the installation of steel framed windows that were zinc sprayed and fitted with 21 

oz clear glass). The back and side casement windows were built in totara as were the WC louvres, the 

exterior finish (the concrete surface was finished in a coat of colourcrete, the tiles were placed on the piers, 

the stallboards, the front beams were decorated in black glazed tiles and fixed vertically. 

The rounded tiles were used on all exterior angles and the exterior doors (all doors and frames were built 

out of totara with chromium latches and door handles, finished with a coat of Matsine stain and Naylors 

hard carriage varnish) the verandah (sheets of galvanised Wunderlich stamped steel was used underneath 

the suspended verandah and in the shop entrances, and was painted with bitumastic paint), roof (24g 

corrugated iron roof). Interior: plastering (shops and stairwells were finished in Keen's cement), paint 

(paints, oils and zinc to be Hubbock's), interior woodwork (french polished), ceilings (except the kitchen had 

two coates of Muresco paint), fireplaces (two concrete and tiled fireplaces were installed), skylights (four 

Starkie Ventilating Skylights with reinforced glass were installed two in the kitchen, one in the stairwell 

and one in the flat next to the hotel), flats (built in wardrobes and shaving cabinets), kitchen (kauri sink tops 

and two meat safes). 

Additions and alterations: (a) 1949 alterations designed by architect C.M.D. Park A.I.A.A. (b) 1970 

alterations wash room and tiolets by C.E. Williams builder and plumber that cost $130. (c) building 

alterations by T.A. Prestidge Ltd. Plumbing and drainlaying by Tauranga Hardware Ltd., costing $375 and 

$350 respectively. (d) major alterations were carried out by: the building firm Cartshore Building Services 

for $27,000.00, the plumbing and the drainlaying by Tauranga Hardware Plumbing Ltd., for $800.00. (d) 

1994, one of the offices was converted into a dental surgery. (e) 1996 plans were drawn by Tony Roberts, 

architectural design, for the establishement of the Amphora Cafe (f) 1997 Jacks Restaurant. 



The first businesses in Tauranga were established along The Strand and Wharf Street around the 1870s. 

Early businesses, shops and hotels were built facing the harbour, typically simple timber buildings. 

Constructed in 1936, the building at 45 The Strand provides evidence of a significant period of 

redevelopment in Tauranga in the 1930s. The development of the railway in the 1920s involved extensive 

reclamation along the Strand, as well as the formation of Dive Crescent and construction of the wharf and 

Cargo Shed. The rail bridge across the harbour to The Strand opened in 1924 and the link to Waihi in 1928 

, enabling the rail connection from Tauranga to Auckland. These developments combined with a fairly 

substantial increase in population bewteen 1930 and 1940 (from approximately 3000 people to 4000) would 

have been catalysts for new development in Tauranga at this time. 

In 1936 J.G. Green Esq commissioned H.L.D. West of Tauranga to draw plans for the construction of a 

new block of shops and flats; West's No. 2 plan was accepted by Green. Plans and specifications were 

dated 7 September 1936; tenders closed 5pm Thursday 24 September 1936. A deposit of 1/2 % was 

required with the tender, and the completion date was 20 weeks after the acceptance of the tender. A non 

completion penalty of £12 per week and a maintenance period of 60 days was implemented. In 1949 

C.M.D. Park A.I.A.A. designed alterations to 45 The Strand. Additions and alterations continued where in 

1987 the building was upgraded. 

Green's building was constructed on a prominent site situated 200 yards from the wharf and 1/4 mile from 

the railway station. The base of the building was sited 10 inches below the footpath line. 

Associative Value

The building has associations with J.G. Green who was involved in local body politics. He served on: the 

Tuaranga Borough Council from 1914 1915, was President of the Chamber of Commerce from 1914 to 

1915 and the Tauranga Harbour Board from 1914 to 1915 and again from 1919 to 1920. 






Sentiment 

Identity 

The building contributes to the established built character of The Strand, providing evidence of the type of 

early buildings built along Tauranga's waterfront, particularly during the 1930s.. 

Amenity 

Education 


The exterior of the building appears to be in largely original condition, with some alterations having been 

made to the shopfronts. The building is wellmaintained and presented.Some rust is evident to the flagpole 

supports at the top of the façade.The building retains its original tiled entry hall and timber stair and 

handrail. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property Files 



insert photo 

The Strand 1918 Image 991295 Tauranga Library

Image 04213 Tauranga Library 

PREPARED BY: 


FOR: 



Apr07 





BUILDING NAME (IF ANY) Tauranga Hotel 

From 1872 1879 formerly known as Bennetts Tauranga Family & Commercial Hotel; from 1879 it was 

known as the Tauranga Hotel. 

ITEM NUMBER 

LEGAL DESCRIPTION All DP 262 86 Allots 12 & 17 of Sec 1 Town of Tauranga 

In 2007 Allot 12 SO 441B1 


Tauranga City Council Council Property File No: P721011211993, Valuation No: 06602/003/00, Plan No 

771 

ZONING 



1936 Fleming 1997 Lady Rose Dairy Ltd, Tauranga 

Insert Photo 


Theme ii The built Citydevelopment of commercial areas, Theme iii Industry and Commerce, visitor 

accomodation 



Statement The Tauranga Hotel is considered to be of significance in terms of its Historic values, 

architectural values, representativeness, context/ group value. The site has been associated with The 

Tauranga Hotel since 1872, when the first Tauranga Hotel was built. The existing building, opened in 

1937, demonstrates evolving trends in the design of hotels. It was designed by architects L.G West , Son 

and Hornibrook, which has been a significant architectural practice in the Bay of Plenty region in the early 

twentieth century. It forms part of a group of historic buildings on The Strand which make an important 

contribution to the established built character of the street and provide evidence of the earlier relationship 

with the waterfront. 

This building and the adjacent 1930s commercial building form a strong and consistent edge to The Strand 

in this location.It forms part of a broader group of structures representing an important period of 

development in central Tauranga in the 1930s when a number of commercial buildings were built, 

particularly on The Strand, Spring Street and in Devonport Road which contribute to the identity of 

Tauranga's CBD. 


Interwar Commercial By September 1872 the first Tauranga Hotel had been established; it was Victorian 

in style and constructed in wood. This structure was destroyed by fire in 1876 and a new wooden building 

was built in the same year; this building was destroyed by fire in 1936. The new hotel was constructed in 

concrete and opened in February 1937. 



The building is a good example of the type of development occurring in Tauranga in the 1930s, which was 

a significant period of redevelopment. A number of new buildings were built at this time in lower Devonport 

Road and along The Strand. It is a good example of hotel development in Tauranga in the 1930s, 

demonstarting contemporary trends in design and types of hotel services provided. 

CONTEXT OR GROUP VALUE


to the corner of Harrington Street. Together with the adjacent building at 45 The Strand, and other 1930s 

buildings along The Strand, it makes an important contribution to the established 1930s character of the 

street.The buildings along The Strand provide evidence of the historic pattern of development in this part 


Strand and the waterfront. Although periodic reclamations have altered the postion of the harbotur edge, 

the built edge still provides evidence of the earlier relationship.Hotels have been an enduring feature of 

The Strand and the Tauranga Hotel building also provides evidence of this. 

DIVERSITY 

Hotel buildings as a type have been anenduring feature of The Strand in Tauranga and the Tauranga Hotel 

contributes to the diversity of the built environment in Tauranga's CBD. 





The first Tauranga Hotel was built on this site in 1872. The site potentially retains evidence of pre 1900 

activity. Sites within this part of Tauranga arguably contain the most significant archaeological resources 

within the city relating to both Maori and pre 1900 European activity. An archaeological survey carried out 

in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and Shirley Arabin) revealed an extensive archaeological landscape with the 

potential to add significantly to understanding of the formative years of Tauranga City. Further 

arcaheological investigation of sites during any redevelopment is recommended, to record evidence. Refer 

U14/3145 Archaeological Survey 2004. 


Style or type/Design Art Deco/ moderne The design of the Tauranga Hotel is clearly represented by its 

horizontal and clean lines, restrained decoration and minialmilist style.The Tauranga Hotel is a stylish 

streamlined structure with minimal exterior surface decoration.The facades are curved around the coner 

and low relief decoration is limited to horizontal plaster bands between the windows, raised plaster 

lettering with the building's name, and a flagpole fixed to a stepped plaster support. Curved balconies are 

a feature of the upper level on both street elevations. The building retains its original steel framed 

windows.It occupies a prominent site on the corner of The Strand and Harrington Street, Tauranga. The 

ground floor two shops and hotel entry faced The Strand and the bars and the main entrance faced 

Harrington Street. 

Design componets: Leadlights, steel framed casement windows, cross hatched vent grilles, main entry 

doors constructed out of oak were glazed with 1/4 inch bevelled plate glass, leadlights,Staybright door 

handles, the bar was oval in design with curved glass ceiling vents and rubber lino on the floor. The first 

floor consisted of 20 bedrooms, four toilets, and baths the mens bathroom fittings and fixtures included a 

urinal, two toilets, basins plus a bath and shower. The two front bedrooms were designed with toilets. 

Included on this floor was a tearoom, a house bar and a linen room. The roof plan consisted of three 

skylights and two vents. 


1872 and 1876 architect unknown. In October 1931 H.I. Foster of Rotorua called for tenders for the 

construction of additions and alterations in reinforced concrete for Mrs. Floydd; she accepted the architects 

no. 2 plan. 

The existsing 1936 Tauranga Hotel was designed by the architectural firm of L. G. West, Son & 

Hornibrook (Gisborne and Palmerston North) Ernst West ANZIA Regd Architect & F. Norcott Hornibrook 

LRIB AMISE ANZIA Chartered and Registered Architect & Chartered Structural Engineer. 

Builder/Contractor was D. Glengarry and N. Cole Ltd of Tauranga. The contract cost £14,500.00 plus extra 

costs of £600 and £150. . 

The architectural practice of H G West and H L D West have made a significant contribution to the Bay of 

Plenty region. Architect H L D West, thought to be the son of H G West , was working in the Bay of Plenty 

region in the early decades of the 20th century and designed a number of significant buildings in Opotiki, 

Whakatane and Tauranga. His work includes a range of commercial and residential buildings. Harold West 

was the borough architect for Tauranga when he died at the age of fifty ( date?). He had his own plane 

which he used to fly over to Thames and other places to carry out work. He designed the Tauranga Ladies 

Rest Room (now demolished, the coloured plan for which is in the Tauranga Library) He trained under his 

father was also an architect, working in Christchurch and Timaru. West lived in Mission Street in Tauranga 

towards the end of his life. 


Opotiki , Whakatane and Tauranga. 

H L D West designed a number of buildings in Tauranga during the 1930s, including Hardleys Building at 

31 Devonport Road designed in 1934, alterations to Munro’s Building in 1935 when an upper floor was 

added to the original 1917 building and the building at 45 The Strand, built in 1936. 

West also designed houses including the Patterson House at 40 Brown Street and is thought to have 

designed a house for A J LeCren in Devonport Road, Tauranga. 

Construction

In 1872 and 1876 hotels had been built on The Strand site and a replacement Hotel was constructed in 

concrete in 1936. From 1936 through to the present day (2007) the Tauaranga Hotel has undergone many 

additions and alterations such as: (a) 1939 a bar was added; the architect was H. Keith Anderson and the 

builder was N. Cole Ltd., (b) In 1949 plans drawn by Lewis Walker A.N.Z.I.A. Dilworth Building Auckland 

for Dominion Breweries; it included the painting of the kitchen, the pantry, the bakehouse, the 

vegetableroom, the staff utility rooms the laying of new lino and additions to the Public Lounge by Smith 

Harvey for £150. (c) Plans drawn by Lewis & Walker for DB in September 1951 for additons & alterations 

that cost £5,900.00. (d) DB in 1952 contracted the builder A. Fleming & Sons Ltd of Tauranga and 

Tuaranga Hardware & Plumbing Co., for additions and alterations that cost £6,526. (e) Drainage work by 

Tauranga Hardware & Plumbing Co., for £125. (f) In 1954 plans were drawn by Lewis Walker for 

alterations to the cellar costing £250; worked was carried out by the Thames building firm of Carrington 

Building Co. Ltd; plumbing by Tauranga Hardware & Plumbing Co. 

(g) the addition of galvanised weatherboards and purlite plaster costing £39057/. (h) 1958 internal 

alterations to construct the Riggar bar beside the bottle store; plans drawn by Walker, Hillary & Swan 

A.N.Z.I.A. A.R.I.B.A. Dilworth Building, Auckland. (i) In 1959 plans were drawn by Walker, Hillary & Swan 

for further internal alterations work done by builder D.C. Stewart that cost £4376 and the plumber's cost 

was £273. (j) In 1966 plans were drawn by Jenkins & Roberts A.R.A.I.A. A.R.I.B.A. A.N.Z.I.A. of Tauranga 

for a managers flat. (k) A new Lounge Bar and new womans toilets in 1964. The materials used in the 

construction were: floor tiles speckled green and white mosaic, white sequin formica dado, handbasin 

bench grey onyx formica and magaform partitions. (l) Balcony conversion; plans were drawn by architects 

Jenkins & Roberts, and the cost of the alterations was £1630. magaform partitions. (l) On 1 November 

1965 the Harrison Street balcony was coverted into a bedroom; plans were drawn by architects Jenkins & 

Roberts. The alterations cost £1630. 

(l) In 1969 it cost $2,000.00 to erect a new verandah built by W. Gartshore (m) In 1971 plans for the 

alterations of the private bar were drawn by E.W.N.; built by Howells & Clark at a cost of $6276.00 (n) 1986 

alterations (o) In 1993 some of the out buildings were demolished by Arnold & Johnston Ltd., consulting 

civil & structural engineers (p) 1997 Owner Lady Rose Dairy Ltd., alterations for first floor plans drawn by 

Trevor Jones Design Ltd., of Tauranga, builder Wayne Gunnule of Ohakune; the build cost $200,000.00. 











In September 1872 the first Tauranga Hotel was constructed on this site; the first proprietor was A. Cook. It 

appears public rooms in the hotel were leased to other businessmen; for example, the billard saloon and 

the stables were leased to J.H. Long. The Hotel was constructed in wood, and like many other colonial 

structures of this period fire proved a constant hazard. In the Daily Southern Cross it was reported there 

had been a fire in the Tauranga Hotel in February 1873. Three years later the hotel was destroyed by fire 

early in 1876. On the 20 May 1876 a tender notice appeared in the Bay Of Plenty Times, which advertised 

that a new hotel would be built on the same site tenders would be accepted up to midday on 3 June 1876. 

In 1881 fire destroyed the entire north end of the town. It is unclear whether the Tauranga Hotel sustained 

any damage. In 1921 Mr. J.A.C. Fleming purchased the hotel from a Mr. A. Peters. In 1931 Fleming had 

alterations and additions made to the hotel, however, in 1936 the Hotel again succumbed to fire. 

Fleming employed the Gisborne architectural firm of L G West, Son & Hornibrook to design a modern 

concrete structure in 1936. Whilst the new hotel was under construction temporary premises were 

established in Harington Street (north side opposite the site of the old hotel) where a lounge for ladies and 

public hot and cold showers for 6 pence, towel included, was established. Flemming purchased the Bay Of 

Plenty Times building in Harrington Street, which backed onto the Tauranga Hotel and converted it into a 

sample room and uptairs staff accomodation. By 1961 the building was known as the Hew Tauranga Hotel 

and operated by Dominion Breweries Ltd .It was said to provide a high standard of accomodation with" 

comfortable rooms cooled by invigorating sea breezes", and beautifully appointed dining room. 


The site has a long association with a hotel function, the first Tauranga hotel having been constructed here 

in 1872. 


Information/Potential Research




Sentiment 

Identity 

The Tauranaga Hotel has been located on this site in central Tauranaga since 1872. The building 

contributes to the established built character of The Strand, providing evidence of the type of early 

buildings built along Tauranga's waterfront, particularly during the 1930s.. 

Amenity 

Education 


The building has been periodically altered, but retains its 1930s exterior character. The ground level 

shopfronts have been remodelled with rustic timber cladding to Grumpy Mole's bar Paint work has 

deteriorated in some places but generally appears sound. Some deterioration is evident to the steel framed 

windows. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Bay of Plenty Times, Tauranga City Council, Tauranga 

1882 1982 The Centennial Of Gazetting Tauranga as a Borough, edited by A.C. Bellamy (Tauranga: 

Tauranga City Council, 1982), Bradbury's, Tauaranga City Council Property Files. " Trip to Tauranga" 

1961 by Frank Clune, promotional brochure held at Tauranga Library. 



insert photo 

The Strand 1918 Image 991295 Tauranga Library 

Image 04213 Tauranga Library

Part of 1932 survey of Tauranga showing the site at that time. Plan at Tauranga Library. 

PREPARED BY: 


FOR: 



Apr07 






Te Matahauraki 

ITEM NUMBER 


Lot 407 Sec 1 Tauranga town SO 38768 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P606071 Val No: 6602/125/00 

ZONING 

Commercail Business 


Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board 

Insert Photo 


Theme ii The built City development of commercial areas Theme iii Industry and Commerce, Te 

PuawaitangaCultural development and expression, Moari business and administration. 



Statement. It is significant in terms of Cultural value, Historic value, architectural value , and group/context 

value. 


1960s Ccommercial 1967 Community Centre 1991 Te Matahauraki (Community centre and offices 

incorporated as one building) 




Together with the nearby Te Uranga and Te Awanui waka the building forms part of a group of places in 

this part of central Tauranga associated with Maori administration, business, development and cultural 

heritage and identity in central Tauranga. 

DIVERSITY 





This is the site of two former Native hostels, the first dating from 1873, which was replaced in 1903. The 

site potentially retains evidence of pre 1900 activity. Sites within this part of Tauranga arguably contain the 

most significant archaeological resources within the city relating to both Maori and pre 1900 European 

activity. An archaeological survey carried out in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and Shirley Arabin) revealed an 

extensive archaeological landscape with the potential to add significantly to understanding of the formative 

years of Tauranga City. Further arcaheological investigation of sites during any redevelopment is 

recommended, to record evidence. Refer U14/3147 Archaeological Survey 2004. 



In 1967 the Maori Community Centre was designed architects Jenkins and Roberts and comprised a main 

gabled hall with kitchen and other service areas. The addition at the front of the site in 1991for the 

Tauranga Moana Trust Board offices and meeting rooms features a main gabled roof form over the main 

entrance, interpreting a traditional " whare" building form, as part of a modern commercial building . 


Native Hostelry on the 22 February 1873 Lundon & Conway were the succesful tender for alterations; 

they shingled a roof and erected a chimney . In 1967 Community Centre Jenkins A.R.I.B.A. Dip Arch 

A.A.S.A. A.N.Z.I.A. & Roberts A.R.B.A. Barch (Hons) A.N.Z.I.A. Builder, Wilson Builders Ltd of Tauranga 

Plumber, Tauranga Plumbing Company. 

The architects responsible for the 1967 Maori Community Centre, Jenkins and Roberts, were one of the 

most prolific architectural practices in Tauranga , particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. 

Construction 

Prior to the construction of the Maori Community Centre the hostelry was demolished. The community 

centre was 4160sqft in size and was constructed in wood. At the front of the centre offices had been added 

but these were demolished when the new offices were constructed in 1991. 



The Maori Community Centre and Te Matahauraki were constructed on the site of two former native 

hostelrys. In 1873 the first hostelry was built on a 1/4 acre site but was demolished on the 7 April 1902. On 

21 November 1902 tenders were called by the Public Works Department district engineer, C.R. Vickerman, 

for the erection of a new hostelry; plans and specifications could be viewed at the Tauranga Post Office. 

Tenders closed at noon 26 November 1902. On the 11 May 1903 it was reported by the Bay of Plenty 

Times that the new hostel was completed. The purpose of the hostels was to provide overnight 

accomodation for Maori, who lived on Motiti and Tuhuna (White Island) Islands, who came to Tauranga for 

provisions. The hostelry was completed fence with inferences that it looked more like a stockade than a 

fence. As early as 1953 the Tauranga Moana District Maori Council formed a fundraising committee with 

the intention of constructing a community centre for all tribal affiliations. The 1953 founding committee 

members were: T. Te Kani, F.N. Pinfold, I Tangitu Wohia, R.G. Faulkner and Tom Peek. 

In 1955 the fund raising committee were: J. Foster, P. Rewiti, Wohia, F.N. Pinfold, I. Tangitu and C.H.D. 

Porter. In 1967 the community centre was built on the former hostelry site. The community centre was 

matched lined with walls and ceilings varnished. It was opened by the Minister of Maori affairs Ben Couch. 

The Tauranga Moana Trust Board was established in 1990 as a result of settlement for the landwars and 

confiscations and their building is located on land set asisde as a reserve for a Maori Community centre . 

Prior to the construction of Te Matahauraki (1991) the Maori Trust Board occupied the upper floor of the 

BNZ building on the corner of Wharf and Willow Streets. Te Matahauraki was officially opened by Hon. 

Winston Peters in 1991. Others who attended the opening were: Mr. Graeme Grennall (Anglican Minister), 

Mr. Enoka Ngatai and Mrs. Arapera Nuku. 


Te Matahauraki site has been affiliated with Maori since the beginnings of Tauranga's urban development. 

Since 1872 it was the site of a Maori hostel in central Tauranga, and is where the Community Centre(1967) 

and Tauranga Moana Trust Board building (1991) were built. 

SCIENTIFIC QUALITIES





Sentiment 

Identity 

This site in central Tauranga has been almost continuously associated with Maori in the life and functioning 

of central Tauranga. Archaeological resources in central Tauranga are not properly understood, particularly 

those associated with the pre European Maori period, however following the development of the 

township, the site was that of a Maori hostel from 1872. It was later developed for a Maori community 

centre and the Tauranga Moana Trust Board building. 

Amenity 

Education 


The exterior of the Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board building appears in intact original condition. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property Files, The Centennial 

of Gazetting Tauranga as a Borough edited by H.C. Bellamy (Tauranga: Tauranga City Council, 1982), 

Interview: 21 June 2007, Maureen Ririnui by Jennie Gainsford Tauranga CBD Heritage Study 2007 Draft 

Maori Themes prepared by Antoine Coffic, Boffa Miskell Ltd. 


Area 1199 


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The Strand (Northern end located on council land), Tauranga 


Urunga Te Awanui (the shelter is known as Urunga and the canoe is known as Te Awanui) 

ITEM NUMBER 



No council property file 

ZONING 

Site on part of road reserve 


Tauranga Moana Maori Cultural Trust, Tauranga 

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Te Pauawaitanga Cultural development and expression, waka taua in central Tauranga. 



Statement. Urunga Te Awanui is significant in terms of Cultural value, Historic value, architectural value , 

Diversity and representativeness, and group/context value.Te Uranga is a good example dating from the 

1970s of a building type which is unique to New Zealand.Te Uranga is a comparatively rare building type in 

an urban setting in New Zealand and makes an important contribution to the diversity of the built 

environment in Tauranga's CBD. The structure shelters Te Awanui, one of a number of important waka 

taua in Tauranga.It is one of a group of buildings at the northern end of The Strand associated with Maori 

in Tauranga's CBD.It is one of a group of structures along The Strand which remind of the historic 

relationship of The Strand to the waterfront in Tauranga. 


1971 the selection of the kauri tree for Te Awanui, 1972 work began on the carving of the canoe; this 

was completed in 1972 and the canoe was launched in February 1973. Te Urunga was constructed in 

1975. 


The maori designs encompassed in the canoe prow were from many maori tribes such as: Nga Puhi 

surface decoration, Taranaki and Gisborne districts, East coast of the Bay of Plenty to Te Koha and 

traditional Te Arawa designs learnt by Tuti (Tony) Tukaokao, carver, when he had previously tutored at the 

Maori Arts and Crafts School in Rotorua. Te Urunga was purpose designed and built to house the waka Te 

Awanui. Its design is a modern interpretaion, based on traditional Maori building forms and it incorporates 

painted decorative motifs to rafters and columns at the front of the structure. It is a comparatively rare 

building type in an urban location in New Zealand. 


Te Uranga is a good example dating from the 1970s of a building type which is unique to New Zealand. 


The location of the waka Te Awanui and Te Uranga in this location in central Tauranga provides a 

reminder of the location of the original shoreline prior to reclamation for the development of the city and 

the railway. Together with the Maori Community Centre and Te Matahauraki, the structure forms part of a 

group of places associated with Maori administration, development and cultural heritage and identity in 

central Tauranga. 

DIVERSITY 

Te Uranga is a comparatively rare building type in an urban setting in New Zealand and makes an 

important contribution to the diversity of the built environment in Tauranga's CBD. 

FRAGILITY OR VUNERABILITY




This site forms part of Charles Wood's boatyard and slip, which subsequently became Joseph Brain's 

shipyard, which was located on the original foreshore from the 1880s until c1922 when the land was 

required for the railway.. The site potentially retains evidence of pre 1900 activity. Sites within this part of 

Tauranga arguably contain the most significant archaeological resources within the city relating to both 

Maori and pre 1900 European activity. An archaeological survey carried out in 2004 (by Ken Phillips and 

Shirley Arabin) revealed an extensive archaeological landscape with the potential to add significantly to 

understanding of the formative years of Tauranga City. Further arcaheological investigation of sites during 

any redevelopment is recommended, to record evidence. Refer U14/3149 Archaeological Survey 2004. 



The canoe design was based on traditional maori motifs; the canoe was 45 feet ( m) in length. The sides of 

the canoe were raised to give strength and additional height. The gunwales were carved with timber 

donated by Beazley Homes. The sternhead depicted the heavenly and earthly gods. The canoe was rigged 

with 50 paddles. 

Te Uranga was purpose designed and built to house the waka Te Awanui. Its design is a modern 

interpretaion, based on traditional Maori building forms and it incorporates painted decorative motifs to 

rafters and columns at the front of the structure.The elegant structure is divided into 5 bays with rough 

sawn timber posts and rafters, paired each side of the steel framing members. The rafters terminate in an 

upstatnd rather than meeting at a ridge beam. The underside of the ceiling is finished with painted T &G 

sarking.The roof is clad with Decromastic tiles . Rafters and posts at the front of the dshelter are painted 

with tradional patterns while other timber work to posts and rafters is finished in a redbrown coloured stain 

finish. The shelter is surrounded by concrete paving around the perimeter, with river stones in the central 

area beneath Te Awanui. 


Te AwanuiCarver Tuti (Tony) Tukaokao (with the help of Maori and Pakeha) Cost $8,000.00 

Construction 

Te Urunga is constructed using a steel posts and rafters, framed by timber members, with a sarked t&g 

timber ceiling. A steel mesh is fixed btween the posts to enclose the structure. 



The site of Te Uranga was part of, or close to, Charles Wood's boatyard and slip, which subsequently 

became Joseph Brain's shipyard, which was located on the original foreshore from the 1880s until c1922. 

Joseph Brain was a boat builder and significant civil contractor in the Tauranga area, responsible for the 

building, repair or alteration of numerous bridges, wharves, the Strand seawall and the Motiti 

tramway.Brains shipyard here ceased operation c 1922 when the land was required for the railway, and 

major redevelopment occurred in Tauranga during the 1920s for its construction. Considerable reclamation 

occurred along the Strand and to the north of Marsh Street for a railway yard. A cutting was made to allow 

the railway line to pass west across the Waikareao Estuary. Resulting fill was used to form Dive Cres. and 

deposited on Sulphur Point. The East Coast Main Trunk Railway project was begun in 1910 at Mount 

Maunganui but was interupted during WWI. Work recommenced after the war and the rail bridge across 

the harbour from Matapihi to The Strand was complete in February 1924. The connection from Tauranga to Waihi was complete in 1 

Te Uranga was constructed in 1975 to house the ceremonial waka "Te Awanui" which was carved by 

master carver Tuti Tukaokao, and launched in 1973.On completion of the carving the canoe was 

positioned opposite the community centre on land donated by Council in 1973. 

The Tauranga Maori Cultural and Promotional Committee was formed with the help of Archie Clerk (Public 

Relations Officer, Tauranga) in May 1960; their aim was to encourage Maori culture and art.The concept of 

building a ceremonial canoe was first muted during the Royal Visit to Tauranga in 1970. The purpose was 

to provide a ceremonial canoe that could be used for important occasions and anniversaries. Donations 

were given by many New Zealanders. The canoe was the first of its type to be built in the Bay of Plenty for 

at least a century; it was named 'Te Awanui' the original name for the Tauranga Harbour ( this was from a 

suggestion by Mr. Eddie Heke that it would be appropriate to name the canoe after the original name given 

to the Tauranga Harbour by Maori). 

In 1971 Mr. R.W. Kennedy, of Waitawheta north of Waihi, donated a kauri tree to the Tauranga Moana 

Maori Cultural Committee for the purpose of constructing a ceremonial canoe. The kauri selected was from 

a reserve of trees that Kennedy's father had set aside for the future; the tree selected was 30 years old with 

a 80 foot bole. Customary permission from Tane, the mythical god of the forest, was conducted by Mr. 

Tawa Williams a Tohunga from Tauranga. The Tauranga contractor, W.A.P. Baker felled the tree where 

Matt Hale.,a Tauranga logging contractor, moved the log from the forest to the back of the Strand Street 

Maori Commumity Centre. Mr. A.A. Edwards supplied the crane at no cost to the maori trust to lift the tree 

from the truck to the back of the community centre. William Nepia, John Tuira and Bill Tukaokao began 

the process to form and shape the canoe, which was constructed in two pieces; this process took 21 

months to complete.

In February 1973 the canoe was officially launched from Memorial Park (originally known as Hawaiiki). The 

dedication and traditional prayers were conducted by Mr. Tawa Williams, and other officials who attended 

were: the Mayor of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui R.A. Owens and the Minister of Maori Affairs Mr. 

Matiu Rata, plus other dignitaries. On this occasion the canoe had a short maiden voyage. 

In early November 1975 the construction commenced for a shelter for 'Te Awanui'. The building cost 

$14,500.00, and was completed by the end of that month. A competition was held to find a name for the 

canoe shelter and this was won by Hemi Ngawaka Walker, an 11 year old pupil from Matapihi school. Te 

Uranga was officially opened on 6 December 1975; the master of ceremonies was Charles Kuka. The 

shelter and canoe were a gift from the Maori Cultural Committee to the citizens of Tauranga. Guests who 

attended the ceremony were: Mayor of Tauranga R.A. Owens, Maori Affairs Mr. Matiu Rata, MP for 

Eastern Maori P.B. Reweti, Dr. Pei Jones of Taumarunui and other local dignitaries. Father Dolphyn and 

Rev. T. Raumati blessed Te Urunga with a karakia preformed by Tawa Williams. This was done whilst the 

canoe was positioned into its new shelter. 


Te Awanui and Te Urunga are of great significance to Tauranga Moana. The waka was the first of its type 

to be built in the Bay of Plenty for at least a century; it was named 'Te Awanui' the original name for the 

Tauranga Harbour.Te Urunga was purpose designed and built to house Te Awanui.The shelter and canoe 

were a gift from the Maori Cultural Committee to the citizens of Tauranga. 






Sentiment 

Identity 

Te Awanui and Te Urunga are of great significance to Tauranga Moana.The shelter and canoe were a gift 

from the Maori Cultural Committee to the citizens of Tauranga.Te Uranga is a good example dating from 

the 1970s of a building type which is unique to New Zealand.Te Uranga is a comparatively rare building 

type in an urban setting in New Zealand and makes an important contribution to the diversity of the built 

environment in Tauranga's CBD. The structure shelters Te Awanui, one of a number of important waka 

taua in Tauranga.It is one of a group of buildings at the northern end of The Strand associated with Maori 

in Tauranga's CBD.It is one of a group of structures along The Strand which remind of the historic 

relationship of The Strand to the waterfront in Tauranga. 

Amenity 

Education 


Te Urunga remains in good, original condition. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Bay of Plenty Times, Morris, W.E., Te Awanui 

(Tauranga: Bay of Plenty Times, 1973) and Interview 20 June 2007, Maureen Ririnui by Jennie Gainsford 



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9 Dive Crescent, Tauranga 


No 1. Cargo Shed and wharf 

ITEM NUMBER 


Not Listed 


Tauranga City Council Property File No: P160098 and P.W.D. Plan No: 42,619 

ZONING 


1926 Tauranga Harbour Board 1989 Tauranga District Council but after restructuring the shed and wharf 

were owned by the Tauranga City Council. 

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Theme II The Built City development of commercial areas and Theme III Industry and Commerce, 

Transportation 



Statement. The Cargo Shed is considered to be of significance in terms of the following criteria: Historical, 

Group and Context value, Diversity. The Cargo Shed forms part of a group of structures in Tauranga 

associated with the development of the railway line and facilities for shipping in the 1920s. It was the main 

cargo handling shed associated with Tauranga's port prior to the development of the new deep water port 

complex at Mt Mauganui in the 1950s. The Cargo shed makes an important contribution to the diversity of 

the built environment in Tauranga's CBD. The form and construction of the building provide evidence of its 

historic function as an industrial building type, associated with the development of the railway and shipping. 

In its more recent use for storage and as a craft market it has associations with significant Tauranga 

artists, including Maori carver and artist Tuti Tukaokao, who made the waka ‘Takitimu’, that was 

constructed for the 1990 Treaty of Waitangi anniversary celebrations,in the Cargo Shed. 


Inter War Commercial Tauranga Harbour Board Marine and Rail Facility 1925/26 




The Cargo Shed forms part of a group of structures /development in central Tauranga associated with the 

development of the Railway in the 1920s, including the reclamation of the waterfront and the rail bridge. 

DIVERSITY 

The Cargo shed makes an important contribution to the diversity of the built environment in Tauranga's 

CBD. The form and construction of the building provide evidence of its historic function as an industrial 

building type, associated with the development of the railway and shipping. It has proven to be adaptable, 

its simple shed form lending itself to its current use as an arts and craft market. 







The Cargo Shed is a functional gabled building for commercial use. 


Tauranga Harbour Board Architect? 

Construction 

The cargo shed is rectangular , gabled shed, with steet trusses, steel frame and clad with galvanised 

corrugated iron to walls and roof, as well as doors. It has a concrete floor and loading dock .The roof 

extends out over the western side of the shed, supported on exposed steel I beams. Extensions at each 

end of the original shed have poured concrete walls, with corrugated iron roof. 



The Cargo Shed forms part of a group of structures in Tauranga associated with the development of the 

railway line. Major redevelopment occurred in the 1920s for its construction. Considerable reclamation 

occurred alaong the Strand and to the north of Marsh Street for a railway yard. A cutting was made to allow 

the railway line to pass west across the Waikareao Estuary. Resulting fill was used to form Dive Cres. and 

on Sulphur Point. The East Coast Main Trunk Railway project was begun in 1910 at Mount Maunganui but 

was interupted during WWI. Work recommenced after the war and the rail bridge across the harbour from 

Matapihi to The Strand was complete in February 1924. The connection from Tauranga to Waihi was 

complete in 1928 linking Tauranga to Auckland by train. 

With the construction of the East Coast main Trunk line in the 1920s the Tauranga seafront saw the 

devolpment of wharves and cargo sheds by the New Zealand Railways Department and the Tauranga 

Harbour Board. A large cargo shed and a wharf was constructed on reclaimed land outside of the rail 

corridor. The original No.1 cargo shed and wharf were constructed around 1925/26. The rail link to the 

cargo shed and wharf was diverted from the main trunk line where the railway line travelled along the 

western side of the cargo shed rail siding was used in the loading and the unloading of goods. On the other 

side a railway line ran along the wharf. The wharf was used primarily for coastal shipping until 1948 when it 

was also used for transTasman shipping. It was later used by the Union Steam Ship Company and others 

for overseas cargo. In 1953 it was used for the first shipment of pulp for export. 

All indicators point towards the cargo shed being constructed for the Tauranga Harbour Board in 1925. The 

rail link ran both sides of the cargo shed; on one side it ran the length of the wharf, which made it easy for 

the loading and unloading of cargo from vessels and on the western side freight was loaded and unloaded 

to and from the cargo shed platform. The main rail link was positioned on the other side of Dive Crescent. 

In 1954 extensions were made to the wharf and a new proposed cargo shed was planned for 1957. This 

became the No. 2 Shed (the original cargo shed was No. 1). The architect was Andrew Murray AMICE 

MNZIE a registered Engineer and Surveyor of Tauranga and Auckland. Other alterations ordered by the 

Bay of Plenty Harbour Board, which instructed T.R. Hurdle a plumber and drainlayer of Tauranga to do 

work for them at a cost of $200. 

Imported Australian timber was used in the construction of this compilation of buildings. In addition a 

concrete structure No. 2 shed was built to house ice plant (later dangerous goods). Reported in the Bay of 

Plenty Times in October 1929 Mr. Wilkinson District Engineer for the Public Works Department wrote to 

the Tauranga Borough Council to point out that the council had not carried out their obligation to construct 

a street between the wharf and the railway station. 

The council had approached the government to establish a road along the foreshore at no charge to them 

as the council would provide the land in the way of a free gift to the Crown. The area selected was the 

reserve situated between the cemetary and the redoubt, and the removal of earth from the reserve would 

be used in the formation of a road. These were marked on the Public Works Department plan 42, 619. The 

road was named after Mayor Bradshaw Dive who was Mayor from 12 May 1919 to 9 May 1929. 

In the mid 1960s the wharf required major repairs. The Harbour Board deceided this expenditure was not 

cost effective when the newly devlopeed wharf favcilities at Mt Maunganui were available, and trends 

indicated that most cargo handling would inevitably relocate to the new wharf complex.The Harbour Board 

decided to close the wharf to shipping. 

In 1989 the government passed a bill that all Harbour Boards assests would be transferred to Councils; 

the Bay of Plenty Harbour Board's land and assets were transferred to the Tauranga District Council (now 

Tauranga City Council). In the late 1990s the northern timber section of the wharf was in disrepair due to a 

fire; it was also discovered that it was infested with Australian termites; a resource consent was sought to 

demolish part of the wharf and burn all infected timber. However, a small portion of the original wooden 

wharf was considered safe and was not infested. This along with the concrete section are now used as a 

fishing boat depot with associated workshops, however, in 2007 the wooden section is staring to show 

signs of decay.

Between 1999 and 2001 the wharf was demolished due to its condition; the wharf was infested with borer 

and was considered unsafe. It appears from 1991 until 2007 the cargo shed was leased for a range of 

storage facilities. From the mid 1980s until recently was utilised by a Maori Master carver, and was visisted 

during this period by many national and international visitors to view his work. Leases have included: a) 

1991 the cargo shed was leased for one year with no right of renewal. (b) 1992 Gavin Hall Boatbuilder 

leased no. 1 cargo shed and H. Geros & Sons Ltd., leased no. 2 cargo shed. ( c) In 1994 Gavin Hall 

wanted to open a restaurant/bar but was denied and continues with his boatbuilding business. (d) The 

Tamatea Arikinui Trust had a month by month lease in 1995. (e) 1997 the leasee was Apex marketing. 

Number 1 cargo shed is now an arts and crafts enterprise. They lease the building off the Tauranga City 

Council. 

From 1999 to 2001 No. 1 cargo shed became a craft centre and No. 2 shed was used as a safe store for a 

community group. The concrete wharf, which had been part of the old demolished wooden wharf, is still 

used as a berth for fishing vessels. 

The remaining buildings on the rail side of Dive Crescent, starting from the northern end are: a Ministry of 

Defence structure now occupied by Water Craft, a panel beater and foodbank. The Tauranga City Council 

own 22 and 24 Dive Crescent which has a: trucking store/warehouse built by Provincial Transport, a metal 

craft workshop and show room and the Fixation coffee shop. 


The Cargo Shed forms part of a group of structures in Tauranga associated with the development of the 

railway line and facilities for shipping in the 1920s. It was the main cargo handling shed associated with 

Tauranga's port prior to the development of the new deep water port complex at Mt Mauganui in the 1950s. 

The Cargo Shed is associated with significant Maori carver and artist Tuti Tukaokao, who made the waka 

‘Takitimu’. This fibre glass hulled waka taua was constructed at short notice for the 1990 Treaty of 

Waitangi anniversary celebrations. The builder and carver Tuti Tukaokao built the waka in the Cargo 

Shed. This was his carving shed and a popular destination for Maori artists. The waka is now housed is a 

waka urunga at Waikaraka estuary, Te Puna. Tuti Tukaokao also produced the fountain at the corner of 

Spring and Grey Streets,in the shape of a gourd, symbolising the giving of water by Maori after the battle 

of Gate Pa.(Source: Maori Themes prepared 2007 by Antoine Coffin, Boffa Miskell Tauranga), 

During the more recent use of The Cargo Shed as an arts and craft market it has associations with a range 

of Tauranga artists. 






Sentiment 

Identity 

The Cargo Shed provides tangible evidence of the functioning of the wharves and railway in central 

Tauranga. 

Amenity 

Education 


The Cargo Shed remains in its original form and appears to be generally in reasonable condition. The roof 

appears to have been replaced. There are small areas of cracking to the poured concrete walls to either 

side of the central shed. A simple post and rail handrial/ barrier to the edge of the loading dock has been 

recently constructed. 


Tauranga Public Library New Zealand Collection, Tauranga City Council Property Files, Bay of Plenty 

Times, Interview, John Budden, Senior Property Officer, Tauranga City Council and Neil Harrison, History 

of Tauranga Harbour and Port, 1997. The Cargo Shed website: www.thecargoshed.org.nz, Maori Themes 

prepared by Antoine Coffin, Boffa Miskell, Tauranga for the Tauranga CBD Heritage Study 2007. 



insert photo 

The Chepo, one of the famed Liberty ships built during World War II, was probably the largest ship ever 

tied up at The Cargo Shed.Image source: www. Thecargoshed.org.nz 

The little coaster tied up alongside the Cargo Shed is the Northern Steamship Company's Toa, around late 

1950s/early 1960s.Image source: www. Thecargoshed.org.nz 

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tauranga cbd heritage study draft record form - Tauranga City Council

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