Planning Napier 1850-1968 : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Planning at Massey University, Manawatu, New Zealand

Abstract

In the context of New Zealand planning history, planning can be seen in two forms. Informal planning describes planning-related activities already taking place before the establishment of formal town planning in the early 20th century. Formal planning describes planning activities based on legislation, a developing body of knowledge, and a planning profession. Whether informal or formal, planning has been concerned with the arrangement and control of activities in space, with the objective of creating a better living environment. For Napier, a provincial centre, the influence of planning on the growth and development of the town is discussed in terms of four principal themes, covering the period from the birth of the town in the 1850s until 1968. These themes are reclamation, reconstruction, suburban growth, and place promotion/civic improvement. Reclamation planning was important, given that the original town was almost totally surrounded by sea or swamp, with insufficient land for future expansion. A major earthquake in 1931 destroyed the business area of Napier, but helped solve the expansion problem by raising the level of land so that reclamation became easier or was now unnecessary. From the 1930s to the 1960s, new suburbs were planned and developed as single entities. Throughout its existence, the Napier Borough/City Council endeavoured to promote growth and improve town amenities. From about 1900, tourism became an increasing interest. The planning associated with each of these themes was largely informal, with the focus on project and development planning. This is not surprising, given that legislation creating the need for formal planning was not enacted until 1926. The informal planning undertaken involved liaison among public authorities, particularly the Council, the Harbour Board, and the neighbouring County Council. While the earthquake provided Napier with an opportunity to create a town that might have been fully planned under the new planning legislation, the Commissioners, who assumed control of Napier affairs for two years, opted to introduce a partial town planning scheme only. This set a precedent so that future town planning schemes were initially developed on a sectional basis, with the town not becoming fully covered until the 1960s.