LynnMall

Ever wondered what New Zealand’s first shopping mall was like? Right here, in front of LynnMall, is where that piece of retail history began. LynnMall opened its doors on October 30, 1963. It was the brainchild of a British investment company, Hammerson, who envisioned bringing the American-style shopping mall concept to New Zealand. They chose New Lynn for its growth potential, transforming a seven-acre scrub-covered paddock into a retail haven. LynnMall was a game-changer. It offered a traffic-free shopping experience with a weather-protected courtyard featuring a fountain, flowers, and trees. There were ample seats, a free children’s play area, and 500 free parking spaces. The mall’s anchor tenants were retail giants Farmers, Milne & Choyce, and Woolworths, alongside 43 specialty shops. Imagine strolling through LynnMall in the 1960s, browsing La Gonda Fashion or picking up some curtains at Curtaincraft. The mall was an instant success, even sparking a bit of a retail rivalry. The Henderson Borough Council, inspired by LynnMall’s popularity, decided to create their own competing mall, now known as WestCity Waitakere. LynnMall continued to thrive and expand. By 1970, it had doubled its floor space and become the largest indoor shopping centre in New Zealand. It even boasted a Western-themed Supervalue Supermarket, complete with wagon wheels adorning the walls above the meat section. LynnMall wasn’t just about shopping; it was a community hub. It hosted a variety of entertainment, from baby competitions to musical performances and celebrity appearances. In 1974, LynnMall marked another milestone by welcoming New Zealand’s first Pizza Hut. While a tragic stabbing incident occurred in 2021, LynnMall has remained a vital part of the New Lynn community. It continues to evolve, undergoing a major expansion in 2015 to include a cinema and dining precinct, solidifying LynnMall’s place as a premier shopping destination in Auckland.