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Greener pastures at the Remuera Bowling Club

The Remuera Bowling Club (RBC), was formed in 1895, and the land purchased for the club in the same year.

Remuera women who signed the Women’s Suffrage Petition of 1893

In 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in national elections. Approx. 70 Remuera women signed the Women’s Suffrage Petition.

The Remuera Story

The Remuera Story is a StoryMap created using a digital online application to tell the story of our heritage and history.

Ohinerau Mt Hobson war memorials

In 1948 members of the Remuera and Meadowbank Garden Club began gathering daffodil bulbs for a mass planting on Ōhinerau in memory of the boys from Remuera who played on the mountain maunga and lost their lives in World War I and II.

A.G.M. Holms 1911-2011

Archie Grant Melville (AGM) Holms was principal of Victoria Avenue School from 1966 to 1969.

Orakei Gin Distillery

Where Orakei Bay Village is now, situated next to the railway line and Orakei Station, there used to be a gin distillery owned by the New Zealand Distillery Company. It occupied the space where Ampersand café and restaurant and Farro Fresh are now located.

20 Orakei Rd (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

The striking Arts and Crafts-inspired residence known as ‘Te Roti’ has a long and interesting history. Built for the well-known Winstone family in 1897, it is one of only a few surviving examples of the work of the important, yet short-lived, architectural practice of Fripp and Goldsbro’. During the twentieth century, the place continued to have associations with individuals who made significant contributions to Auckland’s history, including a noted businessman, prominent medical practitioners, and a highly-regarded historian. It even has links to a popular 1980s TV show!

A famous WW1 poem and its connection to Remuera

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke was noted for its words, If I should die, think only this of me: that there’s some corner of a foreign field that is for ever England.

Dr David Morris – growing up in Remuera in the 1940s and 50s.

We were twins, Richard and I, born on the day Singapore fell, 15 February 1942, often told this and as a reminder that the Japs were coming. Who were the Japs we never knew but we were told this to explain why there was a deep trench dug in the garden near the front hedge of our place.

Ten biggest mistakes in the history of transport in Auckland

Remuera trams

In February 1886, horse-drawn trams were operating between Auckland and Temperance Terrace (now St Vincent Avenue) off Remuera Road, running from Queen Street via Wellesley Street East, Symonds Street, Khyber Pass Road, and Manukau Road to Newmarket.

War Memorials and Plaques at St Aidan’s Church

As Anzac Day 2019 approaches, readers might be interested in the effect which two global conflicts had on the fabric and grounds of St Aidan’s, including the war memorial cross

History of Waitaramoa – past and present

Waitaramoa was the original Māori name of the land around Hobson Bay from Taurarua / Point Resolution to the Orakei Basin. This includes Hobson Bay, Shore Road, Shore Road Reserve, Thomas Bloodworth Park, the Remuera or Ōhinerau or Portland Stream and Waitaramoa Reserve and Portland Reserve in Remuera.

Norman Berridge Spencer 1891-1968

Norman Berridge Spencer was a noted businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and Freemason

‘Oaklands’ / ‘Cotter House’, 2 St Vincent Avenue (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

The striking Victorian residence once known as Oaklands and later Cotter House, stands as a valuable remnant of Remuera’s early agricultural, social and residential history.

An Exceptional Renovation by KiwiRail of The Strand Train Station 66 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland

Congratulation to KiwiRail on the excellent restoration and renovation of the station and signal box buildings at 66 The Strand, Parnell.

One hundred years of flooding and landslides on Shore Road in Remuera

The storm that struck Auckland city on Anniversary Weekend 27 January 2023 broke all previous rainfall records with flooding and landslides causing widespread damage. It was not the first time that landslides had occurred on Shore Road.

‘The Tower’, 258 Remuera Road (Remuera’s Century-Old Buildings Project)

The substantial timber building long-known as ‘The Tower’ is a valuable remnant of Remuera’s residential, social and educational history.

Growing up in Remuera

Robyn Bridgman grew up in Burwood Crescent during the early days of the 2nd World War and went to Remuera Primary School.

State housing in Remuera

Remuera has many excellent examples of State Houses built from the late 1930s when Labour governed for the first time and were determined to provide quality rental housing to returned servicemen and the working poor.

Shooting at Lake St John – Sarah Bernhardt In Remuera

In the late 19th century, Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923) was the most famous actress in the world. In 1891 she sailed from San Francisco via Honolulu and Auckland to Australia. Her stay in Auckland was brief but memorable.

Claude Megson’s Remuera Townhouses

Claude Megson (1936–94) was a brilliant, if controversial, architect and teacher, who built five single-family houses and three townhouses in Remuera during the 1960s and 1970s.

Barochan 226 Remuera Rd

Barochan at 226 Remuera Road was designed by architect John M. Walker and built in 1916. Extended in 1935 by architect William Gummer,Barochan is a substantial home and one of Remuera’s finest.

The Remuera Hall and Chapel, 488 Remuera Road (Remuera’s Century-Old Buildings Project)

The two-storey timber building once known as Remuera Hall stands as a valuable remnant of Remuera’s religious, social and commercial history.

Henry Kulka 1900-1971 (Architects of Remuera) a forerunner of New Zealand modern architecture

Henry Kulka (1900–71) is often cited as a forerunner of New Zealand modern architecture.

Lillian Chrystall (Architects of Remuera) – A very inspiring and influential architect

Lillian Chrystall was an exceptionally gifted award-winning architect. She was accepted into the University of Auckland (UoA) School of Architecture as one of only five women and designed several houses in Remuera.

Ōhinerau Mt Hobson: its creation and history

Dr Bruce Hayward, geologist and marine ecologist, gave a hugely informative and entertaining talk on the eruption and formation of Ohinerau Mt Hobson, Mt St John and the Orakei Basin, at our Auckland Heritage Festival event on 7 October 2022.

St Ann’s, 43 Arney Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Previously described as ‘an English country cottage on a grand scale’, St Ann’s is a notable example of the domestic work of architect, B. C. Chilwell and makes an important contribution to one of Remuera’s most prestigious streetscapes.

Binswood, 229 Remuera Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Designed in 1927, by Roy A. Lippincott, ‘Binswood’ has important associations with a number of individuals who made significant contributions in their respective fields.

Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022: The Queen at Ellerslie Races, Boxing Day 1953

On her first visit to New Zealand in 1953, newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II, with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, attended a Boxing Day meeting at Ellerslie racecourse.

The Glen District of East Auckland, from 1843

At a Remuera Heritage event on 9 September 2022 Vivienne Wilson spoke about her Taylor ancestor Lieutenant General William Taylor and the houses he and his family built in Auckland.

Aachen House, 39 Market Road – Sold July 2022

39 Market Road Remuera has been owned by the Dilworth Ulster Institute (Dilworth School) and the Dilworth Trust Board for 100 years

‘Capri’, 231 Remuera Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Described as "one of the most substantially built brick houses in Auckland", the dwelling at present-day 231 Remuera Road was built in approximately 1903.

37 Bell Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

The original dwelling at present-day 37 Bell Road was built sometime before 1892 reflecting the style of residence that had begun to characterise the residential suburbs of Victorian Auckland.

Horace Lovell Massey, WW1 Serviceman and Notable Architect (Architects of Remuera)

Horace Lovell Massey (1895-1978) was a notable architect who designed distinctive houses in Remuera. He designed many commercial and public buildings as well as residences in Auckland.

31 and 33 Bell Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Built as identical two-storey houses in c.1885 on the corners of Bell and Shera roads, the subject residences are two of Bell Road’s earliest buildings and stand as a direct link to Remuera’s early residential history.

In memoriam: Joan Thompson 1926-2022

Joan Thompson recorded an oral history with Remuera Heritage in 2018. She was the last surviving pupil of Ladies College in Remuera.

Strathcona, 35 Seaview Road, Remuera

The residence located at present-day 35 Seaview Road, known as Strathcona, was built before 1905. Although the exact date of the villa’s construction is not known, records indicate that a number of buildings had been established on the site by 1884.

Binswood, 229 Remuera Road, Remuera

This house on the side of Ohinerau Mt Hobson was originally built in 1927. It was designed by the noted American architect Roy Alstan Lippincott (1885-1969) who worked in New Zealand from 1921 to 1939.

561 Remuera Road, Remuera: Formerly Harvey Furnishings

You may have noticed the transformation underway of the building at 561 Remuera Road on the corner with Minto Road, Remuera. The shops that were Harvey Furnishings are to become a Four Square supermarket.

The Hillary Houses of Remuera

Sir Edmund Hillary’s family had a long involvement of residing in Remuera in most of the 20th century.

Muriel Lamb (Architects of Remuera)

The Lamb House at 131 Arney Road, Remuera, was built in 1947, designed by a pioneering female architect, Muriel Lamb (1911-2010). This was the first house she designed.

A History of 37 Upland Road, Remuera

37 Upland Road sits within a pocket of grand houses on Upland Road which were owned by noted Aucklanders. Unfortunately 37 Upland Rd is down a driveway and although it is as grand as the houses surrounding it, it is zoned Mixed Housing Suburban, and is currently under threat from a proposed development.

Sholto Smith (Architects of Remuera)

When Sholto Smith (1881-1936) arrived in Auckland in 1920 at the age of 39, he was already experienced in designing modern office buildings and large houses. In his Auckland practice he designed a number of significant houses in Remuera.

Roy Keith Binney (Architects of Remuera)

Roy Keith Binney (1886-1957), architect, designed some of the most notable houses in Remuera and Parnell in the 1920s, including Guisnes Court, Bankton, Awatea, and a grand house for Amy Hellaby.

Biltmore, 251 Remuera Road, Remuera

The house known as Biltmore at 251 Remuera Road, (was number 69 until 1945) on the corner with Omahu Road, was built in 1910 for the Hon. Joseph Augustus Tole K.C., lawyer and barrister.

Vernon Brown (Architects of Remuera)

Vernon Akitt Brown was born in Liverpool on 23 March 1905. He studied architecture at Northern Polytechnic in London and emigrated to Auckland in 1927. He became known for his creosoted “Brown” boxes with white trim.

Avoca or Ovoca House, Victoria Avenue, Remuera

The house which became Avoca House was built by Reuben Scarborough, probably in the early 1880s, who purchased about 5 acres of land at the bottom of Victoria Avenue.

Roy Lippincott (Architects of Remuera)

Roy Lippincott came to New Zealand as the result of a competition win in 1921. He went on to make a name for himself in designing public buildings and private homes, until returning to the US in 1939. There are a number of Lippincott-designed houses in Remuera.

29 Ridings Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

In a suburb known for its grand old houses, the modest dwelling at 29 Ridings Road is a rare surviving example of a vernacular cottage that, at over 140 years old, stands as an important tangible reminder of Remuera’s early horticultural, agricultural and residential history

21 Ridings Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

As one of only a small number of surviving mid-to-late nineteenth century dwellings in Remuera, 21 Ridings Road stands as a remnant of the suburb’s early colonial architecture and as an important physical reminder of its early residential development, social history and way of life.

Glenholm, 37 Portland Road, Remuera

The land upon which Glenholm was built originally formed part of the Ōhinerau block II. First auctioned in the 1850s, the block comprised some of the most valuable land in Remuera.

The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny, Victoria Avenue, Remuera

Cluny Kindergarten at 74 Victoria Avenue, Remuera, closed its doors for the final time on 4 December 2020. The convent and kindergarten on a 2,820m² site, in a Single House zone, is now up for sale.

The History of 37 St Vincent Avenue, Remuera

37 St Vincent Avenue made the news recently when it was sold and plans were revealed for the demolition or removal of the 1920s house to make way for 19 townhouses.

Linton House, 2 Bassett Road, Remuera

Linton House which stood on the corner of Remuera Road and Bassett Road was a grand house designed by renowned architect Edward Mahoney & Son in the 1890s. But before that was a house known as Loyal Bank

Arlestone, 151 Orakei Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Arlestone, the grand residence at 151 Orakei Road, has many stories to tell and a close association with individuals from many walks of life.

David Hay and Son of Montpellier Nursery

David Hay and Son of Montpellier Nursery became Auckland’s pre-eminent nurserymen in the years 1855 to 1933.

62 Orakei Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Occupying its Orakei Road site for well over 100 years, the two-storey Victorian villa at number 62 has, like many other buildings of its age, an interesting and varied past.

Kelvin Private Hospital, later Kairahi Guest House, 34 (22) Clonbern Road, Remuera

For much of the twentieth century the large stately house at 34 (22) Clonbern Road was a private hospital and guest-house.

Mary Jane Milne – Businesswoman, Retailer and Co-founder of Milne and Choyce

Mary Jane Milne was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 16 September 1840. Her family left Ireland in July 1863 and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on 26 November 1863.

Elmstone, 468 Remuera Road, Remuera

Elmstone, 468 Remuera Road, was built for businessman Victor J Larner in 1909-10 to a design by architect B. C. Chilwell.

Ash Hurst, 93 Benson Road, Remuera (Remuera’s Century-Old Homes Project)

Occupying elevated land and overlooking the Waitemata Harbour, ‘Ash Hurst’ at 93 Benson Road is a grand Spanish Colonial style residence reputedly designed by the preeminent architectural practice of Gummer & Ford.

Benfieldside, 1 Arney Road, Remuera

This property was owned by the General Trust Board of the (Anglican) Diocese of Auckland (and later the Melanesian Mission Trust Board) until 1983. From the early years of the twentieth century, the property was subdivided and leased.

Mrs Kate McCosh Clark – Author, Artist, Patron and Society Doyen

Kate McCosh Clark was not only an author, artist, patron of the arts and charities, and doyen of society, she was also an early Remuera land developer and owner.

From Quarry to Stately House and Garden – 7 Pere Street, Remuera

The Bond family built an imposing house on Remuera Road next to what was called Mt Hobson Domain c1920 and transformed what had been an abandoned quarry site into a striking terraced garden.

WW1 Joseph Augustus Humphries (8/4145)

Joseph Augustus Humphries enlisted in December 1915 and sailed for Suez on 1 April 1916 with the rank of Private.

WW1 Frank Larnach Tate (46402)

Frank Larnach Tate was born on 1 December 1886 and enlisted, in April 1917.

WW1 Kate Evelyn Wright (22/11)

Kate Evelyn Wright enlistment in April 1915 and is remembered on the Remuera Primary School Memorial Gates.

Memorial Seat on Ōhinerau Mt Hobson

In 1948 members of the Remuera Garden Club began gathering daffodil bulbs for a mass planting on Ōhinerau in memory of the boys from Remuera who their lives in World War I and II.

The Hellaby Houses

On 20 January 1885, aged 20, Amy Briscoe married 36-year-old Richard Hellaby, a butcher, at St Mark's Church, Remuera, Auckland. Here began the story of the Hellaby family and their homes.

Moving Day 1906: Nos. 9, 15 and 21 Arney Road, Remuera

The Hubert Earle Vaile 1906 'Moving Day' photograph captures three iconic Arney Road houses. Whilst all three have been significantly renovated over the years, nonetheless they remain early examples of Remuera’s built heritage.

Plumley House – Seamer House, 515 (195) Remuera Road, Remuera

Plumley House, later Seamer House, at 515 (195) Remuera Road on the corner of Ladies Mile, was built around 1910 and has had a chequered history.

WW1 William Morton Ryburn (24058)

William attended Auckland Grammar School and Auckland University College in 1915. Whilst he was still a student, he enlisted on 8 February 1916

WW1 John Thomson (Tom) Macky

During World War II, Tom was Chaplain Class II (Lieutenant-Colonel), in the New Zealand Chaplains’ Department with the New Zealand Military Forces.

WW1 Matron Emily Edwina (Beattie) Ross (22/401)

On the 30 December 1916, Emily began service with the New Zealand Army Nursing Service (NZANS) as a Staff Nurse, with the 20th Reinforcements, New Zealand Expeditionary Force. She was later promoted to a Matron.

WW1 Eric Howard Perry (16044)

Eric Howard Perry was the youngest child of Catherine Anne Perry (Fisher) and the Reverend Edward Ovenden Perry, living at Brighton Road (now Bassett Road), Remuera.

WWI Keith Logan Caldwell M.C., DFC (1122 WWI, 1075 WWII)

Keith had a Remuera childhood at Kings College and became the most successful New Zealand fighter pilot of the First World War, with 25 victories in aerial combat

WW1 Young Brothers

Frank Gladstone Rameka Young (46423) and brother, Alec (Alexander) Percy Young (20902) were the sons of the Reverend Henry and Mary Ann Young of "Glenhaven" 52 Brighton (now Bassett) Road, Remuera.

WW1 Brett Brothers

Brothers Leslie Henry Brett (4/230), Norman Kahioa (Kaharoa) Brett (44926), and Trevor Roland Brett (31588) served in World War I. In 1916, Brett Avenue in Takapuna was named to commemorate the Brett family.

WW1 John (Jack) Fairburn Stone (4289, 13/148)

John (Jack) Fairburn Stone was born 31st July 1891 in Parnell, went to Parnell District School, then attended King’s College from 1906 to 1908.

WW1 John William Stoodley (12/2124)

John William Stoodley was the only son of William John Stoodley and Theresa Mary Stoodley, who at the time of John’s enlistment were living in Brighton Road, (part of which was renamed Bassett Road).

WW1 The Spencer Family

Lucy Charlotte Spencer (nee Nutter) and Percy Spencer, lived in Victoria Avenue, Remuera. There were six children, five brothers, three of whom served in the First World War.

WW1 Fred and James Sims

Frederick Simms (28809) and younger brother James Eric Simms (38759) were both employed in the same occupation as chainmen prior to enlisting in 1916.

The Ford House, 4 Garden Road

Reginald Ford designed and built this house at 4 Garden Road Remuera for himself in 1926. It is described as “a colonial neo-Georgian timber house”.

WW1 The Rogers Brothers

All three sons of Walter and Sarah Rogers of Brighton Road, and latterly Middleton Road, fought in the First World War.

WW1 The Ready Family

The Ready family, father and three sons, all served in the First World War. All four Ready men are remembered on the memorial at the Kaiapoi Methodist Church, near Christchurch.

“Carriage” House, 78 Orakei Road, Remuera

It is highly unlikely that a carriage house, or any other house, was built on the 78 Orakei Road site in 1846. The current evidence suggests that the building may have been constructed c.1870.

WW1 Ernest and Walter Pountney and family

Ernest Pountney (24050) and Walter Reginald Pountney (12/4073) both fought and lost their lives in World War I. Two of their nephews also fought.

WW1 Albert Ernest Pratt (AIF 3099)

Lieutenant Albert Ernest Pratt is commemorated at VC Corner Australian Cemetery, Fromelles, after initially being mistakenly identified.

WW1 Lieut. Richard Howard Gutteridge (British Army)

In September 1914 architect Richard Gutteridge enlisted in the British Army with the Artists’ Rifles Regiment as a signal instructor.

WW1 Signaller Percy Bosomworth Henderson (26617)

After he graduating with a law degree, Percy Henderson enlisted for war service and received specialist training with the 18th Reinforcements Divisional Signallers.

WW1 Corporal James Alexander Ross (13/194)

James was interested in military matters and when he was 18 he enlisted with the Rodney Mounted Rifles.

WW1 John Owen (12/3119) Military Medal

John Owen was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Military Medal.

WW1 Neil Alfred Haworth Smart (88009)

Neil Alfred Haworth Smart was balloted for military service and enlisted on 12 February 1918 and was sent for military training at Featherston Camp.

WW1 Arthur Alexander Ramsay (89500)

Arthur Ramsay was sent for training to Featherston Camp. He is remembered on the Roll of Honour, St Luke’s Church, Remuera.

WW1 Cecil James Cunningham Marshall (89710)

Cecil Marshall is remembered on the Auckland Grammar School War Memorial Roll of Honour, and College Rifles Rugby Union Football and Sports Club, Remuera.

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