Celebrating Onehunga's rich heritage

Industrial development and a motorway later created division between Onehunga’s town centre and the harbour, disconnecting people from the water.

It showcases a collection of photographs and drawings of the town’s earliest settlers, including sketches of Māori in boats and carrying fish from the harbour, and crowds moving towards a steamship at Onehunga Wharf.

“Working together with the Onehunga Business Association we curated a selection of photos and drawings that tell the story of the history of the area and its natural features. We’ve attempted to honour the history of the first occupants of Maungakiekie, along with that of European settlers,” says Helena Chan, Commercial Place Operations Coordinator at Panuku Development Auckland.

“The idea that one can enjoy the heritage of the area as they walk down the laneway to and from Onehunga Mall provides an opportunity to learn, explore and recognise the local culture and traditions of Onehunga,” says Amanda Wellgreen, Town Manager at Onehunga Business Association.

The laneway is one of eight laneways Panuku is upgrading as part of a series of projects to create a more alluring Onehunga town centre. The first of these was completed in June 2019.

Read more about the regeneration of Onehunga.

EXHIBITION DETAILS

Location: The Blue Laneway (Laneway 4), next to 154 Onehunga Mall opposite Onehunga Office Supplies and Almaz Café.

Date: October 2019 – December 2019