N
PREAMBLE Social, Cultural and Recreational History Taking to the streets to see what information we could gather about the people of Newtown, we received a wide variety of results which inspired us to dig deeper into the history and milestones which makes Newtown unique. We have collated this booklet to give some of the details and stories from Newtown’s social, cultural and recreational aspects and milestones which are stated on our A1 presentation. We have 2 short videos which highlight the people and places in Newtown and give an idea of how the history which we have displayed has made an impact on the Newtown community up until now. Our design will aim to capture the essence of the people and places in Newtown and give the community what it really needs.
NEWTOWN _SOCIAL _CUTURAL _RECREATIONAL
COURSE: ARCI 211 YEAR: 2015 TUTORS: Solange CONTRIBUTORS: Steph Weeks, Emma Fell, Ivan Dai, Seth Schanzer, Henry Manson, Charlotte Rasmussen, Brittany Irvine, Victoria Wright, Duong Nguyen, Jacob Scott, Zoe Ella
1850 - 1950 1850 - 1950 1950 - 20151950 - 2015
1850’s First settlers arrive
TIMELINE 1878 Opening of Hospital
1865 Bowling club est. 1850’s First 1855 settlers arrive 8.2 earthquake 1865 Bowling club est.
1875
1881 Newtown Park built
1900 Ne Military
19
1878 1900 Ne Hospital 1896 Military 1873 Opening Arrival of of tramline Athletic Park opens Asylum built1881 1875 19 Newtown Park built 1896 1873 Arrival of tramline Athletic Park opens Asylum built
1855 8.2 earthquake
1968 Cinema closes
1975
1971 Newtown Park main track and field venue 1968 1975 for Wgtn Cinema closes
1971 Newtown Park main track and field venue for Wgtn
1981 Balloon flight event 1986 Expansion of Polytech
1999 rugb
1981 Balloon flight event 1981 Springbok Tour Riot 1986 Expansion of Polytech
1999 rugb
1981 Springbok Tour Riot
& CONTENTS
20
20
Newtown Park y Camp
900
1910 ‘Star Cinema’ built 1911 Primary School opens
1910 Newtown Park ‘Star Cinema’ built y Camp 1903 Iron buildings along Riddiford Street transformed1911 into shops 900 Primary School opens 1903 Iron buildings along Riddiford Street transformed into shops
1925
1934 Royals visited, carnival held at Newtown Park
1927 Duke and Duchess of York at Newtown Park carnival Royals visited, 1925entertained1934 held at Newtown Park 1927 Duke and Duchess of York entertained at Newtown Park
9 Commemoration of last by game held in Athletic Park
000 2003
Thai Cultural Festival
2015
9 Commemoration of last by game held in Athletic Park 2004 ‘Peoples Choice’ coffee opens, first fair trade cafe in 2015 Newtown 000 2003 Thai Cultural Festival
2004 ‘Peoples Choice’ coffee opens, first fair trade cafe in Newtown
09_SPRINGBOK TOUR
23_ETHNIC AFFAIR
10_ASYLUM
26_COOL PLACES
11_MILITARY CAMP
29_BUSINESS THAT CARES
12_SETTLEMENT
33_EVENTS
17_COMMUNITY CENTRE
34_NEW SECONDS
19_MAORI IN NEWTOWN
36_CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS
21_RELIGION
This area of land where Governement House has been situated since 1910, used to the location of Mount View Lunatic Asylum. Find out more about this era on page 10.
No. 69 Rintoul Street was the first house to be built and settled in the Newtown area. Portrayed as a working class area, Newtown has developed into a vibrant and ethnic part of Wellington. Settlement history can be found on page 12.
When a community rallies for something they believe passionately in things can happen. Newtown Park became one of the landmarks for the fight against apathid on the Springbok Tour and within New Zealands own backyard.
HISTORY
_S PRIN GBOK TOUR _THE ASYLUM _M IL ITARY C AMP _S E TTL E ME NT
Y R O T S I H S R E T T MA
THE SPRINGBOK TOUR _1981
One of the biggest sporting controversies was the 1981 Springbok Tour. Through many years of racial criticism, the New Zealand nation was split in two. The division was caused due to the racism shown to the New Zealand Maori All Blacks, and caused many New Zealanders to wonder if we should be entering into a relationship with a country divided by Apartheid. The 1981 tour however still went ahead and although South Africa claimed victory throughout almost all of the tour, New Zealand still refused to stand united.
Athletic Park, now known as Newtown Park was the battle ground over sporting and political rivalry for protesters in 1981 The two Wellington vs Springbok games were seen as two of the worst days for New Zealand protesters, with thousands gathering outside Parliament and the playing fields, and by blocking off traffic, the protesting got out of hand which resulted in the police having to use batons for the first time in New Zealand History. The events which took place around the country were referred to as the ‘greatest eruption of violence this country has ever known’. Athletic Park, now known as Newtown Park was the battle ground over sporting and political rivalry for protesters in 1981. The Park is now a symbol of the community standing united against an issue that divided the rest of New Zealand. This is seen to be the root of Newtown’s socially and politically liberal values, which is a huge landmark in the political history of the Newtown community.
_09
GOVERNMENT HOUSE _THE ASYLUM The 113 acre section of land located on Rugby Street in Newtown was originally the location of the Mount View Lunatic Asylum. Where in 1873 prisoners were sentenced to hard labour which required them to level the grounds for the soon to be built Mount View Institution. The institution opened later that year and was occupied by 100 patients very quickly, which began a demand for more buildings to be erected on site eventually housing 270 patients. The Mount View Institute was designed by architect Christian Julius Toxward who later designed Wellington Hospital, also located in Newtown. The asylum was closed in 1910 to make way for The Government House which was designed by John Campbell and his assistant between 1908 and 1910 which lead onto the construction later that year. _10
In the years leading up to this there was not a huge importance placed on the role of the Governor General in New Zealand politics. This house signified a new commitment to the Governor General role and to the British Monarchy. This was incredibly important at the time in New Zealand with many Maori feeling dissatisfaction in the British Monarchy. That was a direct result of the New Zealand Wars and the confiscation of Iwi land following it. The erection of Government House boosted the local economy in Newtown, bringing people from other countries and from around New Zealand to Newtown who were visiting Government House. This placed a demand on the expansion of the Newtown area to accommodate these new visitors.
NEWTOWN PARK _MILITARY CAMP With Newtown Park being set up as a military camp for the Boer War in early 1900, this brought in many people throughout the entire country. With the high population of soldiers coming into the park, the number of people on the registered roll being higher than that of originally anticipated, activities were set up to entertain these soldiers. This included Saturday afternoons being devoted to afternoon military sports being played, with prizes being oered from the Battalions. Tournaments and entertainment open to the general public were ordered to create a sense of happiness and fun in this time of war.
The Māori initiative towards the Boer War in 1899 was extremely supportive and the willingness of these soldiers to participate in the war showed extreme courage and during the beginning stages of sending these soldiers over, Richard Seddon proposed that a minimum of 100 Māori men were to be assigned within the First Contingent. Following that proposal, the Māori Member of Parliament, Wiremu Pere ordered to also participate and lead a contingent of over 500 Māori men. With 6507 New Zealand troops serving in war, 230 making the ultimate sacrifice, this shows the bravery and courage of these soldiers fighting for their beliefs. With 30 nurses and 20 teachers also aiding in the war, it shows the bravery that New Zealander’s have at this time in history.
_11
SETTLEMENT Newtown is an extremely place with a great number of diversity from various part of differing culture. Newtown starts off with its name from a ‘hotel’ built in the earlier days, where the region was part of the outskirt of the city. It was Mr. Moodie who gave the region its name, who ‘expressed hope for a “new town” to grow around this area. It is as far back as 1862 where the record of William James from Penmorfa, Cardigan, Wales, who was one of the first new settlers to Newtown named Florence Street, after his granddaughter Florence (Mrs. Heyting), and Gordon Street/Place after his youngest son, ‘Gordon Stuart James’. It is also he whom had constructed the first home in Newtown at no.69 Rintoul Street, and is existing. Occupied by Sir Harry Atkinson, Premier of the colony in 1883 to 1884. Newtown has been remarked as a place for the poorer population of the city, and once portrayed as a working class area. Although, Newtown has had a vibrant development over the years. Where it has received many of the new migrants as well as refugees. There are mentions of Maori settling into Newtown in the 1920s and an increase post-WWII period, Polish refugees during the WWII period. The amount of settlers within this region fluctuates as housing prices within the vicinity of the region compete with one another, with the example of the Maoris and Cook Islanders who moved away from the area to Porirua where the houses on offer were cheaper than they were in Newtown.
_12
Chinese immigrants celebrations of their national day with great sporting events with families’ social gatherings across various ethnicity, where food was described as an abundance, and prizes were readily available for different fun sporting/racing events, such as football or carrot races. In recent years, Newtown continues to acquire its great cultural diversity. Where in 2003, Newtown was host the Loy Krathong (meaning Floating Lotus Shapes Vessel from Banana Leaves) Festival
4.
Maori Support Networks Newtown Public Library 1 Newtown School / Ngati Kotahitanga 2 Newtown Union Health Service 3
3.
7.
5. 6.
Religious Groups Presbyterian Church St James, 4 Trinity Union Church 5 Community Centre 6 Catholic Church St Anne’s 7 Islamic Center Wellington 8 Presbyterian Church 9 10 Baptist Church Chinese 11 Congregational Christian Church of Samoa
8. 1.
9.
10.
There are many different religions throughout Newtown, these are shown on a graph on page 21.
SOCIAL & CULTURAL
2.
_COMMUNIT Y
_M AORI C ULTURE _RE L IGION
11.
NEWTOWN COMMUNITY CENTRE THE COMMUNITY CENTRE CATERS FOR EVERYONE & HAS A LEAD ROLE IN BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER THROUGH A RANGE OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Yoga, school holiday programmes, craft work-shops, dancing or free legal advice - the community centre caters for everyone. It features a variety of different spaces, a hall, theatre and several meeting rooms. These rooms are also for hire in the community.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR DESIGN?
Understanding the activities which take place in the Newtown community centres can help us design for the users and their needs. By looking into the needs and improvements of the centre we can design a space which fills the needs of the community and implement the most practical solutions which will have a positive impact on the surrounding community.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVESSMART NEWTOWN PROVIDES FREE INTERNET & COMPUTER TRAINING
Smart Newtown was started in 2002 to provide free internet and computer training to those in the community who do not have access to computers or the internet. It was part of a project of the Newtown Community & Cultural Centre and the Wellington City Council who funds this project. aimed at those in the community who are less fortunate to have readily access to these services, yet who still should not be disadvantaged.
RECREATION & THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Newtown Community centre has a lead role in brining the community together through a range of recreational activities. Depending on the day, users are welcome to participate in; Tai chi, Yoga & Chai, belly dancing, martial arts, and body strengthening no matter what age you are or stage you are at. If the community centre isn’t for you, the Newtown area still offers a range of smaller group activities including local boxing, bowls, karate and tennis clubs.
_17
MAORI CULTURE IN NEWTOWN Contemporary Maori life in Newtown is well supported, however contrary to popular belief, Maori are not as much of a significant minority as many assume. Despite a role of 22% of students at Newtown School identifying as Maori, by the time adulthood is reached, only 9.45% identify and 3.45% speak Maori. A greater potential for support networks through the community centre would be a better way to encourage growth for this important New Zealand cultural group. Increased cultural recognition in the architecture of a new building, the opening process and future activities in the building be more inclusive to this demographic seeing as none of these currently exist for Maori living in Newtown.
22%
of students at Newtown School identify as Maori
9.45% of Newtown residents identify as Maori
3.45% of Newtown residents speak Maori
PENTECOSTAL SPIRTUALISM AND NEW AGE OTHER JUDAISM / JEWISH METHODIST
LATTER DAY SAINTS
ISLAM / MUSLIM CATHOLIC
BUDDHIST
HINDU
OTHER CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS
CHRISTIAN NFD ANGLICAN PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGATIONAL
RELIGION IN NEWTOWN Newtown is a very diverse community with a strong sense of religion and culture, a reflection on this is the large number of churches in the area which cater to the different beliefs and opinions of Newtown residents. By looking into the cultures and religions of the Newtown churches we can get an idea of the people who would be using a community centre and what sort of spaces they would need. In our design of a Newtown community centre we need to take into consideration the way the spaces
are executed and make them adaptable to whoever will be using them. There needs to be sufficient storage for users to store their equipment and also soundproofing between each room to give a sense of privacy within the centre. We can look into other community centres in the surrounding areas to get ideas and examples of what the needs and improvements are in these community spaces.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR DESIGN? Newtown, being a diverse and interactive community, offers opportunities for people to become involved in the wide range of religions and cultures. The churches within this community offer communal facilities to encourage interaction within the Newtown society.
_21
Wellington City
Newtown
ETHNIC GROUPS
0
0
% of the Population Arabic
Somali
0
LANGUAGES SPOKEN
% of the Population 1
2
3
40
Somali
Arabic
0
2
3
% of the Population
4
80
80
5
Maori
New Zealand Sign Language
German Somali
Spanish Arabic
1
Hindi German
French Spanish
Maori Tagalog
Samoan Hindi
20
New Zealand Sign Tagalog Language
Wellington City
French
60 0
Newtown
uages Spoken, 2013 Maori
Samoan
New Zealand Sign Language
Wellington City
Languages Spoken, 2013 60 Other ethinicity
Newtown
40
40
Wellington City
20
20
Newtown
Other ethinicity
New Zealander
Middle Eastern/ Latin American/African
Asian Other ethinicity
Middle Eastern/ Maori Latin American/African Pacific Peoples New Zealander
European Asian Wellington City
guages Spoken, 2013% of the Population
Wellington City
Maori
Pacific Peoples
ic Groups, 2013 Ethnic Groups, 2013 Newtown European
Pacific Peoples Asian
Middle Eastern/ Latin American/African New Zealander
% of the Population
60
Samoan
French Maori
Hindi
Tagalog
Spanish
German
ETHNICFOOD/BAR
ETHNIC FOOD/BAR ETHNIC EATERIES
Africa 2.94% European 23.53%
Middle Eastern 17.65%
Africa 2.94% European 23.53%
Middle Eastern 17.65%
Middle Eastern 20.00%
Indian 20.59%
ETHNICFOOD/BAR
Chinese 26.47%
Southeast Asian 8.82% Africa 2.94%
ETHNIC RETAIL
Indian 20.59% European 23.53%
17.65%
European
Chinese
Middle Eastern 20.00%
Africa
Chinese 26.47%
Southeast…
ETHNICGROCERYS Indian
Middle Ea…
Create infographics
Southeast Asian 8.82%
European
Chinese
Southeast…
Africa Chinese 26.47%
ETHNICGROCERYSTORES Indian
Middle Ea…
Indian
Create infographics
Middle Eastern
Southeast Asian 8.82%
Chinese
Southeast…
ETHNICGROCETHNIC ERYSTORES Indian
Indian 80.00%
Middle Ea…
Create infographics
GROCERY
Indian
Middle Eastern
Create infographics
Chinese
Southeast Asian
Indian
Middle Eas
Create infogr
Chinese
Southeast Asian
The population Chinese of ethnicities inAsian Newtown to show Southeast Indianhelps Middle Eastern the diversity in understand that there are differences in an individual’s culture Create by infographics through their background which is followed through ritual, ideology and Create infographics social behavior which is brought to New Zealand from a foreign country.
Newtown and Indian Middle Eastern
Many cultures showcase their ideology through celebrating aspects of ethnicity. Different ethnicities can be described and are known for their different cuisines and showcasing unique amenities. By this idea, different ethnicity groups have been measured in terms of how much their culture exists, particularly in Newtown by measuring the amount of restaurants/bars, grocery stores and shopping (retail) stores that exist in Newtown itself. By understanding this information, it becomes relevant of how strongly ethnic groups believe and enjoy their background and also, how strongly these aspects of their culture, -such as their cuisines- are accepted and celebrated in Newtown.
_23
COOL BUSINESS
Starting out your business in Newtown appears to be a successful thing. Many well renowned Wellington companies started producing, making or practicing here. Page 29
GREAT CAFES & BARS
Newtown has a great variety of cafes that you can find scattered along the main street. With great service and delightful people, you are bound to find something delicious. This friendly buzz is reflected throughout the town and is an Important thing to consider when designing.
QUIRKY STYLE Shops of all different things can be found around Newtown. One of the bigger attractions are the second hand stores that are the ideal place to hunt for a good bargain. A trail of these can be found on page 35.
AMAZING EVENTS
There are many events that take place in Wellington and these really pull together the community to make them work together and support one another.
RECREATIONAL _COOL P L AC E S
_BU SI NESS THAT C ARE S _EV EN TS _N EW SECO NDS
COOL PLACES FOR COOL PEOPLE THE CAFES, RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN NEWTOWN GREATLY REFLECT ON THE TYPE OF PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE AND THE GENERAL VIBE OF THE TOWN. The quirky nature of a lot of these places create a view of Newtown as being a very artsy and creative place to live. The architecture of many of these places are unique and feature elements that you can only find here in Newtown. Moonbar is a perfect example of a bar popular for it’s individuality. The bar features live music every night, a house band on Thursdays, a range of craft beer and top-range whiskey, a video game arcade and pizza for a more family-friendly feel. Newtown is also home to the very popular cafe/bike shop ‘Bicycle junction’ which sells and fixes your bike as well as providing some kick ass coffee on the go.
_26
BUSINESS THAT
PEOPLES COFFEE .ETHICALLY HARVESTED .FAIR TRADE Peoples Coffee started as a small Newtown business on Constable Street in 2004, while employing friends to get their coffee roasting business up and running. They prided themselves in building a strong relationship with their co-operative partners ‘Trade Aid’, who are New Zealand’s largest green bean brokers. Peoples Coffee became completely certified organic in 2005 as did Fair Trade and many small coffee roasting businesses due to the higher price the coffee can be sold for. They strive to achieve a world class product which is ethical, sustainable and financially viable. Peoples coffee pride themselves in the relationships and connections that have formed within the Newtown community, their website introduces you to the employees of peoples coffee and also support local projects which help to improve the lives of marginalized New Zealanders with every sale made.
SIX BARREL SODA .ALL NATURAL Six Barrel Soda Co. is an ever growing company established in the Newtown bar/ diner ‘Monterey’, they started making old fashioned sodas and syrups which ended up becoming a popular choice of drink with the locals in the Newtown diner. The sodas are made with completely natural ingredients and with no preservatives or colours, sealed in amber coloured bottles to keep the sodas perfect and protected from the sun. The soda is also made and bottled by hand in small batches to keep the quality of the soda to a high level. Six Barrel Soda Co. plans to expand from their Wellington customer base to the rest of New Zealand and overseas. These sodas are just another story of a very successful Newtown business.
CARES PHIL & TEDS .PHILANTHROPIC .STAFF INITIATIVES Phil & Teds are a worldwide family/baby product company which aims to support families and make products which will assist parents in leading a more stress free life. With over 18 years of experience coming up with innovative ideas and products which are available to over 50 countries around the world. Phil & Teds are made up of 3 great product companies including Mountain Buggy, Mokopuna and Phil & Teds themselves. With head office located in Newtown they began as a small company inventing different ways for parents to ‘adapt and survive’. They also greatly support the Newtown Festival and find it a very successful day out, broadening their product knowledge within the community and festival goers.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR DESIGN? These Newtown businesses have helped to create a sense of community by connecting to the people who are supporting their businesses. By looking into these relationships and connections we can get an idea of how the Newtown community comes together to support each other. We can use these connections to get an idea of what Newtown’s needs are and a broader sense of what the people are like.
_29
NEWTOWN FESTIVAL
The Newtown Festival is a massive celebration organised by the Newtown Residents’ Association as a non-profit organisation. It is a Wellington Event which is building public response each year through the diversity of cuisines available, eventful displays and unique shopping it has to offer. The festival runs over a number of days letting public discover the unique Newtown community through a series of outdoor events, performances in the Community Centre, the Carrara Park jazz picnic and the Newtown Street Fair.
NEWTOWN HOSTS A VARIETY OF
EVENTS
SPORTING EVENTS The area of Newtown plays host to both a range of major sporting which cater to the entire Wellington community along with also providing a more local and community orientated aspect. On the wider scale, Rugby Park and Te Whaea, both located on the western side of the town belt provide host to both local and national teams or groups for practicing and competitive play through their developed facilities. Similarly, Newtown Park, in the southern corner, hosts training facilities for the Wellington Phoenix Football team while also providing sports fields and an athletics track for weekend and weekly recreational use by the public.
_33
NEW SECONDS
Do you wanna pop some tags? Only got twenty dollars in your pocket? Well Newtown is the place to head for a mix of vibrant and eclectic second hand shopping. With many clothing stores as well as furniture stockists there are endless treasures and bargains to hunt out. Starting from Adelaide Road at the central city end, wander along Riddiford Street and you will find yourself in a fashion sense that is a casual step back from inner city monologue.
Hand in Hand Trading 101/100 Riddiford St Seasonal Stock 191-193 Adelaide Rd
Red Cross Shop – Newtown 158 Riddiford Street
Opportunity for Animals Shop 90 Riddiford St
Some thoughts from a few of Newtowns regular thrift shop junkies... “I always expect Newtown to be already pillaged by the hordes of op-shoppers that come especially to Newtown for the shabby chic. But I am always surprised, because there is always loads of cool stuff in there, if you have the capacity and heart to sift through.” _35
“Somewhere out there, a stout and rectangular man is having the time of his life in a vintage store. Roaming the streets in secondhand Armani and crisp trousers, the ladies he encounters regard him highly.”
The Salvation Army Family Store 20 Rintoul Street
Renown Furnishings (Newtown) 132 Riddiford St
St Vincent de Paul – Newtown, 207-209 Riddiford St
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR DESIGN?
Newtown creates its own style in many ways. Things such as the colourful shop frontages, passionate community members, eco-friendly mindfulness, and a vibrant individuality all make for a place that is very humbling, and a strong collective vibe. The recycled ideas of second-hand clothing continue the resourcefulness that is seen throughout the town. With such a diverse mix of people this is further displayed throughout the way the individuals dress. These op-shop’s draw people from all walks of life, people who cannot afford to spend more than a designated amount of money on clothing to people who are searching for a designer piece to further sell on and make money in the right market. The social impact of this diversity makes Newtown a place that reflects it own social fabric in the fabric of its appearance.
_CULTURAL PERCEPTIONS The trigger word montages presented were derived from an online survey that consisted of two questions, and was distributed on university social networks therefore representing the opinion of young, university aged people. The questions were: Do you live in Newtown? Describe what you think the dominant culture in Newtown is, in ONE WORD. There were >500 results that were processed to give the final information. The bigger the word in the montage, the more popular the answer.
NON-RESIDENTS
RESIDENTS
By splitting the answers between residents and non residents we can see at first glance disparity that produces two different attitudes to the dominant culture on the street in Newtown. In the residents only montage there is a noticeable amount of specific ethnic groups that have made it as more popular answers, whereas in the non residents montage this is much less obvious. People from outside of Newtown answered with words describing the culture not exclusive to any dominant ethnic group but a reference to the majority of people who live there and how that affects the street feel. For the community centre project this information can be useful as we can see that residents take more notice of the various ethnic groups who occupy the suburb rather than the more general view of non residents. Seeing as the community centre accommodates for residents things that cater for all the different ethnic groups could be highly important, in a way that allows all the groups the opportunity to celebrate who they are in the melting pot of cultures that is Newtown.
06_TYPOLOGIES
“Newtown is a suburb where I was born. It is a suburb where I was loved. It is a suburb which I love…” Sir Paul Reeves, Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand, first Maori Governor-General 1985-1990
_SUMMARY Newtown has a great amount of diversity from various parts of differing culture. It is as far back as 1862 where the record of William James from Penmorfa, Cardigan, Wales, who was one of the first new settlers to Newtown. The town name of ‘Newtown’ originated from a ‘hotel’ built in the earlier days of settlement, where the region was part of the outskirt of the city. It was Mr. Moodie who gave the region its name, who ‘expressed hope for a “new town” to grow around this area.
Newtown has often been remarked as a place for the lower income population of the city, and once portrayed as a working class area. Although, Newtown has had a vibrant development over the years, where it has received many of the new migrants as well as refugees. There are mentions of Maori settling into Newtown in the 1920s, as well as Polish refugees during the WWII period.