To mark the occasion this year we’re sharing 60 photos of notable events and places in Porirua’s recent history, adding a photo or more every week. Check out the slide show below of the photos we've shared so far or scroll down the page to see info about each photo.
#8 On the top of Whitirea peninsula, the two radio transmitting masts and the main buildings were, in 1937 when opened by the Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage, generating the largest medium-frequency station output in the southern hemisphere. Although the original masts have been replaced and quarters removed, the remaining buildings have high architectural value. Until February 2016 the mast was New Zealand's second tallest structure, transmitting AM radio signals from a 220 metres tall radio mast.
#7 The Porirua Hospital Chapel was officially dedicated in 1966. Located in the former Porirua Hospital on Upper Main Drive, it was moved to this site in 2007 from its original site in the middle of the hospital complex. The chapel has original features and is highly valued for its classic form and interior. Until the healthcare reforms of the 1980s Porirua Hospital was the biggest mental health institution in Australasia with 2000 patients.
#6 Waitangi Day celebrations are an annual highlight in Porirua and have evolved over time – starting out as the Festival of the Elements for a number of years at Aotea Lagoon, then moving to Te Rauparaha Park when it got too big – and spreading to Te Rauparaha Arena, the Aquatic Centre, skate park, Pātaka Art + Museum and nearby streets. This picture is from almost 20 years ago, in 2006, and was taken by photographer Ray Lovell.
#5 Titahi Bay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) was formed in 1938. Up until the 1930s Titahi Bay Beach was unpatrolled. The clubhouse had been built by 1941 and women were admitted as members shortly after that. The SLSC men's team pictured are likely from the 1940s. Today the club's members still patrol the beaches today – although their uniforms, equipment, membership and clubhouse have changed significantly.
#4 Somme House is a distinctive local landmark in Plimmerton. It was built in 1916 and is named to commemorate the soldiers killed in the Battle of the Somme during World War 1 in the same year. It is an early example of a sea-side cottage and is one of the larger old houses in the area. The substantial-looking building is two storeys high with a gable-ended Marseille tile roof, roughcast stucco exterior (over mass concrete) and timber joinery.
#3 The Kodak Photographic Processing Laboratory in Elsdon Porirua was a major employer at the time Porirua became a city in 1965. Pictured while under construction in 1960–61, it opened in 1962 and the building and equipment were valued at $2,000,000. It initially employed 105 staff, with a projected increase to 250 in the next few years. The laboratory operated until March 1988.
#2 Cannons Creek Shopping Centre was still under development in 1960 when this photo was taken, five years before Porirua officially became a city in 1965 (when it met the then-threshold of 20,000 people). The shopping centre started with 13 shops and a post office with sites reserved for future expansion – plans included a community hall, hotel tavern, car parks and a cinema.
#1 Porirua officially became a city on Saturday 2 October 1965 – when we met the threshold (at the time) to become a city of having 20,000 people. Here’s an aerial shot of our town centre taken that month and year.
