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Karangahape Road 1960

An aerial view of Karangahape Road (K’ Road), Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland before the massive expansion of motorways through the inner city area.

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Taken in 1960 for George Court & Sons Ltd in 1960. George Court was one of K’ Road's landmark buildings. Completed in 1926 its position on the ridge dominated the K' Road skyline. The department store closed in 1988 and the building was eventually converted into apartments in 1993.

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Surrounding George Court are familiar landmarks like the Mercury Theatre, Myers Park, and St Kevin's Arcade. However, a closer look reveals details that speak of a bygone era: vintage cars, inner city villas, a towering gas silo in the distance, and the absence of motorways.

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The construction of the inner-city motorway system in the 1960’s significantly impacted K’ Road. It resulted in the displacement of over 50,000 people from the surrounding areas of Eden Terrace, Grafton, and Arch Hill. This, in turn, led to a decline in business, causing many shops to close and businesses to relocate to other parts of Auckland.

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This photograph was taken by Whites Aviation, who produced a series of popular illustrated publications of aerial photography and aviation history.

George Court & Sons Ltd, Karangahape Road, Auckland. Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs. Ref: WA-53952. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/33754088

This vintage photographic print from the 1960s captures the vibrant essence of K Road (Karangahape Road) in Auckland's Central Business District (CBD), reflecting the lively culture and urban energy of the time. The image showcases a bustling scene filled with cars and pedestrians, illustrating the dynamic intersection of city life where people from all walks of life converge. In the backdrop, the iconic gas silo stands as a landmark, a nod to the industrial charm of the area that has long attracted a hipster vibe. Apartments line the streets, hinting at the residential communities nestled within this urban landscape. Key thoroughfares like Queen Street, Upper Queen Street, Howe Street, and Pitt Street provide a glimpse into the thriving commercial and cultural activity that characterized the 60s. The black-and-white photography lends a nostalgic quality to the print, capturing not just the architecture and vehicles but also the fashion and attitudes of the era. This piece serves as a historical snapshot of K Road, celebrating its role as a cultural hub in Auckland, making it a perfect addition for enthusiasts of vintage prints and historic New Zealand photography. It invites viewers to reminisce about a bygone era while appreciating the continuous evolution of this iconic street.

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