Timeline
Discovery and Settlement – to 1958
Hawke’s Bay was discovered by Sir James Cook in 1769 and named for Sir Edward Hawke (First Lord of the Admiralty).
Colenso landed in 1844, with surveying and the establishment of the Port of Napier in the years following. Originally part of Wellington Province, Hawke’s Bay was declared a province in 1858.
Pre-Earthquake Progress – 1858 to 1931
Early development centred on the harbour and establishment of the port. Work also began on infrastructure provisions such as road, rail and bridge construction, gas supply and Port Ahuriri school.
The 1931 earthquake reduced the depth of the inner harbour by more than two metres and necessitated significant rebuilding.
Port and Industrial Development – 1931 to 1990
With its proximity to the Port, Ahuriri emerged as an industrial hub. A number of wool stores were built, the Shell Oil depot established, and industry such as fishing, transport and engineering flourished.
In the late 1980s, the Napier City Council re-structured leasehold land holdings and zonings to facilitate further development.
Emergence as a Seaside Suburb – 1990 onwards
In the early 1990s, the area around East Pier and West Quay saw the arrival of restaurants and bars. This was followed by the development of townhouse and apartment complexes on several of the old wool store sites.
The residential influx is being further complemented by the ongoing development of retail, service, tourism and leisure activity.
For a fully detailed timeline of Ahuriri’s history, please click here. | 
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