Historic Hawke's Bay: Town's roots in orcharding

When Havelock (later North) was planned in 1859, the Hawke's Bay Provincial Council wanted the town to be settled by a middle class, who would follow agricultural pursuits.

Many of the sections at the 1860 auction were bought by Napier property speculators, but the larger allotments were planted in orchards.

And by the time of this 1920s photo, which is looking from Te Mata Rd towards Te Aute Rd, orcharding was the main occupation.

Of the structures visible in this photograph, only the transformer house, which is now an information centre, designed by James Chapman-Taylor, and the war memorial cenotaph, on the right, remain.

A Nimon's bus can be seen in the picture, and they had their bus depot on the corner of Lucknow and Middle Roads.

Havelock North had grown slowly since 1860, and some hoped in the early 1900s that the unique character of the "village" would be protected if the population did not exceed 400.

However, after many floods on the Heretaunga Plains, Havelock was seen as a desirable place to live, due to its higher elevation, and many thought the air was also cleaner.

When the population did start to grow, and more vehicles came through the town centre, where the six roads met, some traffic issues of giving way developed at what we now call the "village roundabout" (and some might say nothing has changed).

This year marks 100 years since the formation of the Havelock North Town Board in August 1912, and the famed Shakespearian pageant held in November.