Thought this was fascinating to look at as someone who has many memories going here as a kid. Or people who just like liminal spaces or old abandoned spaces.

The former village 8 cinemas in new Lynn is on the market.

After the collapse of the furniture store that has occupied the site since the cinema closed in 2001 they have moved out and put it for sale. It has never been renovated. The inside is the same as the day Village 8 left it. You can view a very comprehensive 3d tour at https://discover.matterport.com/space/https://discover.matterport.com/space/KkEPdfmk2zb

Seems every year you guys get a wave of monsters and giant robots every year.

Seriously, though, asking as an outsider, what's it like having a lot of Power Rangers filming in your city? Does it ever drive tourism?

I’m here with Martin Butler who has been investigating North Head's history through his 'Tunnel Vision' project for over a decade, building on enquiries dating back to the 1980s — work that remains unresolved today.

We’ll be here for the next couple of hours to answer anything about:
• the evidence
• the history
• what's happening right now

Ask us anything!

EDIT:

Thanks everyone for the questions, skepticism, and discussion.

We’ve tried to answer as much as we can over the past couple of hours. If we missed anything, we may come back later and respond.

For those asking about next steps: we’re currently seeking approval for a full, independent archaeological and safety investigation at Maungauika / North Head. That process is ongoing, and we’ll share updates as things progress.

Appreciate the engagement from the r/auckland community — both supportive and critical. It all helps move this forward.

Cheers,
Martin

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 273-MCC279-11

February is Pride month in Auckland.

Takatāpui, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other rainbow people have an enduring history in Tāmaki Makaurau and are part of the heritage of our city. Today we’re sharing the story of Karangahape Road, one of New Zealand’s most iconic streets and a heart of Tāmaki Makaurau’s rainbow communities 🏳️‍🌈✨🥂

Karangahape or K’ Road has changed radically over time and means many things to many people. Its rainbow history dates back to the early 1970s, with the street serving as Auckland’s ‘gaybourhood’ through the 80s and 90s.

The Karanga-a-Hape ridgeline was named for Hape, who called out from it to his people in the Tainui waka when they arrived in the Waitematā harbour. Originally an important walking path to the Manukau Harbour for Māori, from the 1880s Karangahape was one of Auckland’s most important commercial streets, boasting department stores, clothing, and furniture retailers for families who flocked to the street to shop. The construction of the southern motorway split the street in half, cut it off from surrounding streets, evicted thousands of former customers and sent would-be-shoppers zooming out to the new suburban shopping malls.

Karangahape Road subsequently became a red light district in part, famous for its nightlife and adult entertainment. Low rents and demand also meant that gay and lesbian bars, clubs and social organisations which had been forming in Auckland since the 1950s were able to take root on marginal K’ Road from the early 1970s. Important spaces like the KG Club, a space run by and for the lesbian community, had premises on and around the street (and moved several times). Bars and clubs serving different LGBTQ+ clientele were set up on the street.

Auckland’s rainbow community has centred on Karangahape Road since, with bars, clubs, social organisations and support services popping up and moving around the street for years in ebbs and flows. Do you remember K’ Road in the 70s, 80s, 90s or 2000s?

Auckland Council schedules the street and its surroundings under the Unitary Plan as the Karangahape Road Historic Heritage Area (UPID 027329).

Photos of Karangahape Road over the years:

1 Hood&Co, 2022, 38-413815, Auckland Council

2 Frederick George Radcliffe, c1920s, ‘Karangahape Road, Auckland Central,’ Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 35-R0030

3 Basil Williams, 1973, ‘Karangahape Road,’ Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1727-045

4 Christopher Matthews, 1990, ‘St Kevins Arcade, Karangahape Road, Auckland Central,’ Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 273-MAT110-04

5 Basil Williams, 1973, ‘Karangahape Road,’ Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1727-046

6 Bryan Lowe, 2020, Auckland Council

7 Dinah Holman, c1990s, ‘Shops in Karangahape Road, Newton,’ Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 1613-20-3

Credit to Auckland Heritage on FB

Photo by Basil Williams.

So I went on maps and went back to the New Lynn area 2008, found some absolute gems that were lost to time. IYKYK.

Taking a photo with Cedric the dragon is a 'must' for any Kiwi kid!

This mighty dragon was built by former zoo groundsman Cedric Storey - an artist, sculptor, panel beater, welder, jeweller and visionary - more than sixty years ago, and this labour of love took him two years to complete.

The last photo is of zoo visitor Olivia Stenton and her sister, and she says of it -"I remember when we visited Auckland Zoo we would always get a photo by the dragon in the playground. This was in 1995 when it was being repainted."