Useful links
Devonport is a community with a proud history and tradition.
Surrounded by sea, with commanding views of the Hauraki Gulf, the area was important to Maori.
Evidence of Maori settlement can be seen on the two volcanic hills which were occupied and fortified.
The land was sold to the Crown by Ngati-paoa in 1840 and Devonport's first businesses were farming and
shipbuilding. With the arrival of the Army, Navy and dockyard, business enterprises and social
amenities grew, such as shops, schools and churches.
Devonport's economic development was enhanced by its proximity to Auckland's commercial
centre with ferry services providing the essential link. Residential sub-divisions led to the
expansion of this popular suburb.
Devonport was established as a Borough in 1886, and the early 1900s brought increased
development and prosperity.
Many of the buildings we see today date from the latter 1800s. The buildings in Victoria Road
were erected in the late 1880s after a fire had destroyed the original wooden ones. The
landmark Esplanade Hotel opened in1903. Victorian and Edwardian villas with graceful
return verandahs and ornate embellishments are prominent throughout the area. Examples
of later bungalow style buildings and earlier workers' cottages are also evident.
The value of Devonport's homes and buildings lies in their historic nature individually,
as well as their setting in the old Borough. The generations before us built soundly, adapting
and updating as new needs arose. Old photographs of Devonport show how well our heritage
has been retained.
Where to Start
If you would like to find out the history of your house -
The Devonport Library has a reference section detailing Devonport's history.
Devonport Borough Council published "The Hundred of Devonport - A Centennial
History" and this resource will assist you in gaining an understanding of local history.
The Devonport Museum has many photographs that demonstrate the demographic
growth of the borough as well as the development of individual houses.
Both the Devonport Area Office and North Shore City Council archives have
extensive records of original house designs.
We hope you enjoy the special qualities of your heritage home, value its past, and help
keep Devonport's buildings intact for future generations.
(Source: Susan Yoffe)
