Wellington’s Roaring Twenties – boom time for high rise construction
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During the 1920s, Wellington grew rapidly as a result of the new technologies of the motor car, electricity, films, broadcasting and aviation and services such as rail, insurance, finance, road construction and government support for farm exports and research.
Planning changes enabled the construction of taller buildings, drawing particularly from architectural styles which were transforming American cities.
During the 1920s Wellington’s regional urban population increased by 30 percent to 130,000 and most of the major buildings from the 1920s were strongly built and continue to define the city. Despite recessions early and mid-decade this was a period of optimism as New Zealand established greater independence from Britain.
This talk builds on research for a centennial history of Rotary in New Zealand, founded in 1921 in Wellington and Auckland. Two Mayors of the period, Charles Norwood and George Troup were founders of Rotary and major contributors to the fast-growing economy of the decade. Richard Norman, a member of Wellington Rotary and Wellington’s Historic Place Trust, will help you look with new eyes at the city’s heritage from the 1920s.
Lunch (at own cost) will be available in CornerCopia prior and Drinks (cash bar in Grand Dining Room) will be available after. Afternoon tea will be provided between 3.15 and 3.45 p.m.
Health & Safety
The Wellesley hotel has recently been identified as a potential earthquake risk but remains fully operational while plans are developed for strengthening. Safety procedures will be explained at the talks.
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Event times
Boom Time talk
3:45-5pm Thu 26 Oct
Booking required
Cost: $25 for attending one talk, $30 for both