Lost in time, a tale of Johnsonville unfolds before us on SH1. It is a place that transformed from a Māori track to a bustling suburb. This area once had dense native forest. Towering tōtara trees dominated this landscape. Rimu, rātā, and hīnau trees also thrived here.
Frank Johnson arrived in 1841. He purchased 100 acres of land. It was called Section 11 Kinapora District. The area became known as Johnson’s clearing. Johnson built a house near the Johnsonville stream. He also erected a timber mill near today’s Johnsonville center.
Johnson quickly cleared the native forest. He sold the timber to help build Wellington. By 1858 he sold his land. He made a substantial profit then returned to England. His actions dramatically changed the environment. A farming industry grew to support Wellington City. Daisy Hill Farm House was built around 1860. It still stands as a testament to that era.
The railway arrived in 1886. The Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company built the line to Wellington. This enabled people to commute. In 1938 the line was electrified. This led to more frequent and faster trains.
Around 1894 stockyards appeared. Freeman R. Jackson built them next to the station sidings. Cattle and sheep arrived by rail. They came from Manawatu and elsewhere. They were driven through the streets. The animals went down Fraser Avenue to the Ngauranga abattoir. Johnsonville gained the nickname Cowtown. Residents complained about hygiene and noise. A new siding and stockyard opened near Raroa station in 1958.
Johnsonville became a local board in 1874. In 1887 it was renamed the Johnsonville Town District. The Town Board became independent in 1908. John Rod negotiated for electric power in 1909. Norman Heath installed it. Gas lighting and drainage followed between 1912 and 1922. Streets were kerbed and channeled. A water reservoir was built in 1912. Another new reservoir was built in 1922. Drainage flowed to a septic tank in Ngauranga Gorge. In 1953 Johnsonville amalgamated with Wellington City Council. The council completed a main sewer to the area.
The town grew rapidly from 1938. State houses were built on the former Native Reserve. The first one was built in Bould Street. By 1956, 329 state houses existed.
In the 1960s Johnsonville built the first shopping mall in the Wellington region. The suburb is a key transport hub. Johnsonville Station is the northern end of the Johnsonville branch line. Electric trains run to central Wellington. A bus stop connects several routes. It is known as the Johnsonville Hub.
Johnsonville is a large suburb. It had an estimated population of 12110 in June 2024. The suburb has a shopping mall. It also has two supermarkets a library and a community hub. Keith Spry Pool opened in June 1982. Alex Moore Park has sporting grounds.
Johnsonville Community Centre offers community services. This includes education and support groups. The Wellington City Council owns the building. The Johnsonville Town Centre Plan aims to redevelop Johnsonville’s main precinct.
Johnsonville’s story is one of constant change. From forest clearing to railway expansion the suburb has a rich history. It has transformed from Cowtown to a modern hub. Johnsonville continues to evolve. It remains a vital part of Wellington.