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
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2012
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Massey University
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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.
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City planning, History, Napier, New Zealand, Planning history, Town planning, Reclamation, Earthquake 1931, Reconstruction, Suburbs and suburban development, Place promotion, Civic improvement