“Parnell” wasn’t always the name. That’s a little smart-aleck knowledge to begin our exploration of Parnell Pines.
Parnell Pines isn’t just a place to stay. It is a gateway to Auckland’s rich history. Parnell itself stands as Auckland’s oldest suburb. It was established in September 1841.
Imagine officials disembarking the Anna Watson in 1840. They came from the Bay of Islands. They sought to build Auckland. Tradesmen were among them. They were essential for erecting the first public buildings.
Land sales followed in 1841. New immigrants wanted affordable land. The government surveyed suburban sections. These sections included areas around Parnell Road. They also included Saint Stephen’s Avenue and Gladstone Road. These were known as Section 1 Suburbs of Auckland. It included St Georges Bay and Judges Bay. Speculators like Robert Tod bought much of this land. Ordinary workingmen could not afford it.
Tod subdivided his land into 36 allotments. He advertised them as the “Village of Parnell” in September 1841. Other lots had names like “Prospect” and “Windsor Terrace.” Parnell became the preferred name for the locality.
Parnell’s early settlers were mechanics and tradesmen. They contributed to the Britomart area’s development. Government officials chose to live there in the 1840s. A railway system arrived in the 1870s. It brought a bridge over Parnell Road. It also brought a tunnel through Parnell Hill. Tramcars traveled up Parnell Road in the early 1900s.
Churches play a vital role in Parnell’s history. Bishop Selwyn chose the site for a future cathedral in 1841. St Mary Cathedral was built in 1863. It also served as a school in the 1880s.
The Auckland Domain also adds to Parnell’s appeal. By 1868, it was rough weed, flax and bog. Around 1900, the field was maintained for sports events. The Auckland Exhibition took place here in 1913. The Winter Garden and Duckpond remain from this event.
Parnell became more attractive after the Auckland War Memorial Museum opened in 1929. It commemorated soldiers lost in World War I. The museum began in 1852. It was only one room of a cottage.
Parnell faced a potential high-rise fate in the 1960s. Les Harvey restored old houses and shops. They became restaurants, cafes, craft shops, and boutiques. This area is now known as Parnell Village.
Parnell still boasts many heritage buildings. These include Ewelme Cottage, Kinder House, and St Mary’s Church. You can also visit St John the Baptist Church and St Stephen’s Chapel.
Bishop Selwyn wanted Parnell to be the focus of the Church of England in Auckland. He established a deanery and St Barnabas Church. He also founded St Stephen’s School and Church Grammar School. He built St Stephen’s Chapel, the first St Mary’s church, and Bishopscourt.
So, as you settle into Parnell Pines, remember you are surrounded by layers of Auckland’s past. From its establishment as a village to its role in trade and religion, Parnell has evolved. It is a suburb of contrasts and enduring charm. Enjoy your stay in this historic place.