Wellington’s Roaring Twenties – Boom Time for Building

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 and the use of steel 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 1920s. Richard Norman, a member of Wellington Rotary and Wellington’s Historic Places Trust, will help you look with new eyes at the city’s heritage from the 1920s. The Wellesley Hotel, opened in 1927 and a Category One heritage building, is a symbolic place to reflect on the importance of the Roaring Twenties boom for Wellington. Afternoon tea, available 3.15 - 3.45 p.m. is included in the ticket.