West Quay in Port Ahuriri is now the home of many bars and restaurants and it is hard to believe that the area, seen here in 1905, was once a busy wharf, especially for loading wool.
Although the breakwater harbour - also known as the bluff or outer harbour -was in operation at the time, Ahuriri was still a busy port and debate was raging as to whether to develop the inner or outer harbours.
Some, such as Geordie Richardson, part-owner of Richardson Shipping, had a vested interest in Port Ahuriri as he supplied most of the lighters, a type of barge, which ferried cargo to the larger ships in Hawke Bay which were not able to enter Port Ahuriri because of the shallow depth of the harbour.
With the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake raising the sea floor, and subsequent development of the Port of Napier at the bluff, Port Ahuriri's use is now recreational and used by commercial fishing boats.
The port buildings, most of them previously used as shipping company offices and for wool storage, were converted from the 1990s into bars, restaurants and offices, providing a great location as workplaces or venues to enjoy Hawke's Bay food and wine.
Michael Fowler will be holding his lecture, "Sibling Rivalry: Hastings and Napier 1879-1935," in Napier on Thursday, November 24, at 7.30pm. There will be a section on the growth of Napier's identity. Only 20 tickets available. Book at www.eventfinder.co.nz
