Welcome to the archive images of Tamaki Makaurau
 
 
 
Week 54
5 November 2006
 
 
 
Onehunga lies south of Auckland City, close to Maungakiekie or One Tree Hill.  The name means
burial place, referring to Maori burial caves in the area.  Some significant battles took place on the nearby slopes of Maungakiekie and through its name, recognition is given to the many courageous and noble people who died and were buried there.  During the 19th Century, most shipping between New Zealand and Great Britain came via South Africa and Australia.  Some entered the Waitemata and docked at Auckland but most entered the Manukau Heads and docked at Onehunga.  Onehunga was also the main route to the south island.  Onehunga also had the first zoological gardens in New Zealand until the Auckland Zoo was founded.  Today Onehunga is a friendly, cosmopolitan community which still reflects its rich Maori and European history.  Two walks showcase this history and this week I share with you part of the Maungakiekie Walk
 
 
 
QUOTE FOR THE WEEK
 
..... photography is an art form which means:  human beings expressing their understanding
of and connection with life, themselves, and other human beings.  - Lisette Model
 
 
 
  
Murals reflecting Onehunga's Maori and Polynesian history
 
 
 
 
Onehunga Library and Community Centre.  The library holds books and photos on
Maori and European heritage in Onehunga
 
 
 
 
This 'Kia Ora Koutou' mosaic mural, designed by Rhonda Jameson, can be seen
inside Onehunga Community Centre
 
 
 
 
Carnegie Free Library opened in 1912 with 4,000 books which was built with
2000 pounds from wealthy American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie who
established 2500 public libraries throughout the world.  Today its
privately owned and used as a restaurant and bar
 
 
 
 
Church of St Peter.  The gothic church tower which was
built in 1930 is now part of a modern church which was
built in 1980.  The churchyard contains the graves of
many of Onehunga's early settlers
 
 
 
 
The iconic ceramic seat is by sculptor Karen Kennedy and illustrates Onehunga's
heritage buildings.  It was installed in 1999.  The 2001 matching chesstable
features secret messages for those who take the time to look underneath it
 
 
 
 
The legendary Hard to Find Quality Secondhand Bookshop.
Built in the 1890's, this store was formerly occupied by Gordon Sai Louie & Co,
a family business that sold fruit, vegetables and Chinese supplies.  This business
ran for over 40 years and closed in 1988.  A notable feature is the original gold
sign writing on the window
 
 
 
 
The street called Onehunga Mall
 
 
 
 
In Onehunga Mall, artist Dave Vazey docorated this public toilet on the
pavement with art nouveau style wrought iron, featuring the "tree of life"
 
 
 
 
Stained glass windows of the Onehunga Presbyterian Church from 1890
 
 
 
 
The Onehunga Club was originally named Annendale, later Scotlands.
Large lava caves are underground at the rear of this property but
are not open for viewing
 
 
 
 
This pharmacy was built in 1920.  Note the giant mortar and pestle.
Inside the beautifull restored and original stained glass windows can
be seen and photos of early Onehunga
 
 
 
 
Church of Assumption, a Catholic Church designed by Thomas Mahoney and built
by William Kemp in 1889 - a great example of a masonry Gothic church.  The
cemetery also contains the graves of many of Onehunga's early settlers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You are welcome to copy any of these pictures
but please credit the photographer
Suzette Bothma
or add a link to this page
 
 
Please do not link this site to any other
that contains any material that is in any way offensive
Thank you
 
 
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Do not reproduce without permission.