HISTORY
Hobsonville - Early History
Hobsonville began as a small and relatively isolated European settlement at the head of the Waitematā Harbour. Long before European arrival, the land was valued for its rich food resources and holds deep traditional connections to Te Kawerau ā Maki, who lived, gathered, and travelled throughout the area.
The district takes its name from Captain William Hobson (1792–1842), the first Governor of New Zealand. Hobson sailed up the Waitematā Harbour to assess the Hobsonville peninsula as a potential township site. After landing, he initially considered it suitable as the seat of Government, but later abandoned the idea on the advice of Surveyor‑General Felton Matthew, who noted the limitations caused by shallow water.
In 1853, Taiarua and Tinana of Ngāti Whātua transferred the peninsula to the Crown as part of the Waipareira block.The land that became the Hobsonville district - around 1,000 acres - was then divided into four blocks and sold in 1854–1855 to:T. Hamer (3 July 1854)R.O. Clark (3 July 1854)J.W. Bain & J. Burt (13 December 1854)Rev. D. Bruce (1 August 1855)
The district takes its name from Captain William Hobson (1792–1842), the first Governor of New Zealand. Hobson sailed up the Waitematā Harbour to assess the Hobsonville peninsula as a potential township site. After landing, he initially considered it suitable as the seat of Government, but later abandoned the idea on the advice of Surveyor‑General Felton Matthew, who noted the limitations caused by shallow water.
In 1853, Taiarua and Tinana of Ngāti Whātua transferred the peninsula to the Crown as part of the Waipareira block.The land that became the Hobsonville district - around 1,000 acres - was then divided into four blocks and sold in 1854–1855 to:T. Hamer (3 July 1854)R.O. Clark (3 July 1854)J.W. Bain & J. Burt (13 December 1854)Rev. D. Bruce (1 August 1855)
The Beginnings of Hobsonville’s Pottery Industry
One of Hobsonville’s earliest European settlers, Rice Owen Clark I (1816–1896), was the first to make practical use of the district’s rich clay deposits. He began by producing hand‑made field tiles to drain his farmland, and later imported machinery to expand production. By the 1890s, his company had grown into the largest sanitary pipe works in the Southern Hemisphere, manufacturing chimney pots, bends, junctions, building blocks, drinking troughs, and a wide range of other clay products.This enterprise eventually became the foundation of the Amalgamated Brick and Pipe Company, later known as Ceramco.
In 1863, another key figure arrived: Joshua Carder (1816–1895), a Staffordshire‑trained potter. Carder established Hobsonville’s first commercial pottery, Waipareira Pottery, using a traditional throwing wheel. He produced sewer pipes, crockery insulators, and a variety of ornamental items.
Carder is widely recognised as the original promoter of the pottery industry in Hobsonville and was responsible for the earliest fired‑clay production at Limeburners Bay.
In 1863, another key figure arrived: Joshua Carder (1816–1895), a Staffordshire‑trained potter. Carder established Hobsonville’s first commercial pottery, Waipareira Pottery, using a traditional throwing wheel. He produced sewer pipes, crockery insulators, and a variety of ornamental items.
Carder is widely recognised as the original promoter of the pottery industry in Hobsonville and was responsible for the earliest fired‑clay production at Limeburners Bay.
Joshua Carder’s influence continued through the next generation. His two sons later established their own pottery business in Hobsonville, Carder Bros. and Co., and were soon joined by other local families, including the Ocklestons (J & W Ockleston & Co) and Robert Holland pottery. Together, these early enterprises helped shape Hobsonville into one of the most significant pottery‑producing districts in the region.
The site of these major West Auckland brickworks sits opposite the Hobsonville Church, down Old Wharf Road toward the water - the area where Brickworks Bay Road and Vazey Road are located today. The brickworks operated continuously from 1863 to 1929, leaving a substantial industrial footprint on the landscape.
This area is now recognised as one of the country’s most important industrial archaeological sites, and remains a valuable part of New Zealand’s early colonial heritage.
The site of these major West Auckland brickworks sits opposite the Hobsonville Church, down Old Wharf Road toward the water - the area where Brickworks Bay Road and Vazey Road are located today. The brickworks operated continuously from 1863 to 1929, leaving a substantial industrial footprint on the landscape.
This area is now recognised as one of the country’s most important industrial archaeological sites, and remains a valuable part of New Zealand’s early colonial heritage.
Potteries of the Hobsonville / Limeburners Bay Area
Map showing the locations of potteries in the Hobsonville area
1. R.O. Clark • Operated: 1864–1931
2. Joshua Carder / C.F. Vazey / Carder Bros. • Joshua Carder: c. 1863–1876 • C.F. Vazey: 1874–1888 • Carder Bros.: 1888–1929 (Possibly not fully operational until around 1903)
3. Robert Holland / R.O. Clark • Robert Holland: 1904–1909 • R.O. Clark: 1909–c.1931
4. Point Pottery (multiple owners) • Carder Bros. Point Pottery: 1872–1876 • Dowden Point Pottery: 1878–1881 • Cater: 1881–1883 • Auckland Brick & Tile Co.: 1883–1887
5. J. & W. Ockleston / Ockleston branch of R.O. Clark • J. & W. Ockleston: 1903–1909 • Ockleston branch of R.O. Clark: 1909–c.1914
2. Joshua Carder / C.F. Vazey / Carder Bros. • Joshua Carder: c. 1863–1876 • C.F. Vazey: 1874–1888 • Carder Bros.: 1888–1929 (Possibly not fully operational until around 1903)
3. Robert Holland / R.O. Clark • Robert Holland: 1904–1909 • R.O. Clark: 1909–c.1931
4. Point Pottery (multiple owners) • Carder Bros. Point Pottery: 1872–1876 • Dowden Point Pottery: 1878–1881 • Cater: 1881–1883 • Auckland Brick & Tile Co.: 1883–1887
5. J. & W. Ockleston / Ockleston branch of R.O. Clark • J. & W. Ockleston: 1903–1909 • Ockleston branch of R.O. Clark: 1909–c.1914
Industry and Landscape in the Late 19th Century
In all, seven companies operated within the Hobsonville pottery industry, providing work for hundreds of men until the local clay deposits were almost exhausted in 1931.
A common sideline for many of the larger brickyards was the burning of shells to produce lime, which was mixed with sand to make mortar for brick construction.Limeburners Bay takes its name from this early industry, established to make use of the extensive shell banks at the southern end of the bay.
Before 1800, the land surrounding the Upper Waitematā was covered in dense kauri forest.As European settlement increased after 1840, several timber mills were established throughout the Upper Harbour districts, marking the beginning of large‑scale landscape change in the area.
A common sideline for many of the larger brickyards was the burning of shells to produce lime, which was mixed with sand to make mortar for brick construction.Limeburners Bay takes its name from this early industry, established to make use of the extensive shell banks at the southern end of the bay.
Before 1800, the land surrounding the Upper Waitematā was covered in dense kauri forest.As European settlement increased after 1840, several timber mills were established throughout the Upper Harbour districts, marking the beginning of large‑scale landscape change in the area.
Hobsonville Church and the Early School
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Hobsonville Church was built in 1875 as a combined meeting place, church, and school, with a graveyard incorporated into the grounds.
At that time, Hobsonville was a thriving little community of around 25 to 30 houses, with a mixed economy based on brick and pottery production alongside farming.
Before the church building opened for use as a school, the Education Board granted a teacher a small salary to teach a handful of pupils in a private cottage located just above where the pottery works later stood. Classes were first held in this cottage, and then in the church building itself, until dedicated Education Board land was secured on Hobsonville Road.
In 1895, a new purpose‑built school opened on this site - the same location where Hobsonville Primary School stands today at 104 Hobsonville Road.
Before the church building opened for use as a school, the Education Board granted a teacher a small salary to teach a handful of pupils in a private cottage located just above where the pottery works later stood. Classes were first held in this cottage, and then in the church building itself, until dedicated Education Board land was secured on Hobsonville Road.
In 1895, a new purpose‑built school opened on this site - the same location where Hobsonville Primary School stands today at 104 Hobsonville Road.
Construction of the Church
The Church is constructed of kauri, much of it pit‑sawn, and was erected by settler and carpenter John Danby (1849–1923), son‑in‑law of potter Joshua Carder (1816–1895). The building originally featured a kauri shingle roof, which was later replaced with corrugated iron.
The land for the Church and graveyard was gifted by Rice Owen Clark I (1816–1896), one of Hobsonville’s earliest and most influential settlers. In 1971, the Midgley family generously donated additional land along the northern boundary, allowing the Church grounds to be extended.
The land for the Church and graveyard was gifted by Rice Owen Clark I (1816–1896), one of Hobsonville’s earliest and most influential settlers. In 1971, the Midgley family generously donated additional land along the northern boundary, allowing the Church grounds to be extended.
Trustees and Early Families
After the 1877 Education Act introduced a national system of free, secular, and compulsory education for Pākehā children, the land was transferred to five trustees - all of whom now rest in the graveyard:Joshua Carder (1816–1895)R.O. Clark II (1854–1905)Joshua Ockleston (1836–1896)Thomas Scott (1827–1892)William Sinton (1837–1880)
They are joined by members of many other early Hobsonville settler families, including Anderson, Boyd, Bridgford, Carder, Clark, Midgley, Ockleston, Scott, Sinton, Williams, and Wiseley.
In 1895, Edmund Sager Midgley (1848–1922) was appointed as an additional trustee, continuing the strong involvement of Hobsonville’s founding families in the care and stewardship of the Church and graveyard.
They are joined by members of many other early Hobsonville settler families, including Anderson, Boyd, Bridgford, Carder, Clark, Midgley, Ockleston, Scott, Sinton, Williams, and Wiseley.
In 1895, Edmund Sager Midgley (1848–1922) was appointed as an additional trustee, continuing the strong involvement of Hobsonville’s founding families in the care and stewardship of the Church and graveyard.
Church Administration and Community Stewardship
In its early years, the Church was administered by the Whau Presbyterian Church in Avondale, alongside its other outlying districts at Waikumete, Henderson, Helensville, and Titirangi - a demanding circuit for any minister travelling on horseback.
The Avondale Presbyterian Board of Managers Report for 1896 records the growth of the Hobsonville congregation:“Hobsonville, which has nearly doubled its roll, has increased from 10 at the end of 1895 to 32 at present.”
By the 1920s, the upgraded St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Henderson took over responsibility for Hobsonville.
During World War II, the Church and graveyard were cared for by the remaining trustee, William Ockleston (1875–1953), until the property was formally transferred to the Presbyterian Church. After this transfer, the grounds continued to be maintained by Ockleston and Midgley descendants, reflecting the long-standing involvement of Hobsonville’s founding families.
In 1940, the two churches were amalgamated, with R.H. and W. Ockleston serving on the St Andrew’s Session until around 1950.
The Avondale Presbyterian Board of Managers Report for 1896 records the growth of the Hobsonville congregation:“Hobsonville, which has nearly doubled its roll, has increased from 10 at the end of 1895 to 32 at present.”
By the 1920s, the upgraded St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Henderson took over responsibility for Hobsonville.
During World War II, the Church and graveyard were cared for by the remaining trustee, William Ockleston (1875–1953), until the property was formally transferred to the Presbyterian Church. After this transfer, the grounds continued to be maintained by Ockleston and Midgley descendants, reflecting the long-standing involvement of Hobsonville’s founding families.
In 1940, the two churches were amalgamated, with R.H. and W. Ockleston serving on the St Andrew’s Session until around 1950.
The Hobsonville Public Library
In 1879, the Hobsonville Public Library was formally registered under the Public Libraries Powers Act 1875. The “library” itself was modest but well‑used - a tall cupboard positioned in the right‑hand corner of the Church as you entered from the front porch. From this simple cabinet, books were borrowed and shared among the local community, reflecting the strong value early Hobsonville settlers placed on learning and access to knowledge.
Structure and Preservation of the Church
The Church, as originally built, measured 30 feet (approximately 9 metres) by 18 feet (approximately 5.4 metres), plus the front porch. Its roof was clad in kauri shingles, and the exterior walls were made of kauri weatherboards of slightly varying widths.
The timber shows saw marks from both circular and straight saws, reflecting the tools available at the time. When later additions were made, the increased length created a structural challenge: the main building risked becoming unstable because there was nothing to support the side walls or tie the structure together.
Many early churches solved this with external buttressing or internal bracing shaped like an inverted ship’s hull. Hobsonville Church had neither, so a steel rod was installed across the centre of the building, running through the walls and threaded at each end. Large plate washers and nuts were fitted on the outside and tightened to hold the walls firmly in place, providing the stability the structure needed.
This simple but effective solution has stood the test of time. The Church remained sound enough to be jacked up and re‑blocked in 1995 as part of the extensive preservation work carried out between 1995 and 2000.
The timber shows saw marks from both circular and straight saws, reflecting the tools available at the time. When later additions were made, the increased length created a structural challenge: the main building risked becoming unstable because there was nothing to support the side walls or tie the structure together.
Many early churches solved this with external buttressing or internal bracing shaped like an inverted ship’s hull. Hobsonville Church had neither, so a steel rod was installed across the centre of the building, running through the walls and threaded at each end. Large plate washers and nuts were fitted on the outside and tightened to hold the walls firmly in place, providing the stability the structure needed.
This simple but effective solution has stood the test of time. The Church remained sound enough to be jacked up and re‑blocked in 1995 as part of the extensive preservation work carried out between 1995 and 2000.
Hobsonville Church Wikipedia page link here
Historic Resources
'Up the River' Stories of the Settlers of Hobsonville, compiled by Laurel V. North (January 2000), link here. A most useful resource 'intended to commemorate the 125th anniversary [in 2000] of the Church, graveyard and school and honour our forebears who came from afar to start new lives and who are buried here'.
Early Days of Hobsonville part 1 by W Ockleston 1952 link here
Early Days of Hobsonville part 2 by W Ockleston 1952 link here
Hobsonville Church by Eric Ockleston 19 June 1995 link here
Hobsonvlle Church - Further memories by E W Ockleston 1 July 1995 link here
Hobsonville Properties R.O Clark 1 and Descendants by EW Ockleston with sketch map provided by Percy Midgley 1995 link here
The Final Years of the Potteries at Hobsonville - by Ockleston (undated) link here
Ceramco Ltd A History of 50 years 1929 - 1979 link here
Hobsonville District School Diamond Jubilee Booklet 1875 - 1935
(original held by Ockleston family, AJ Laurenson) link hereHobsonvlle Primary School Centennial Booklet 1875 - 1975
(original held by Ockleston family, AJ Laurenson) link here
Hobsonville Church Graveyard Plan surveyed by AJ Ockleston May 1953 link here
Old Identities of Hobsonville photo link here
Hobsonville School Attendee list September 7 1899 link here
Hobsonville School Attendee list 1880 link here
Hobsonville School Attendee list 1881 link here
Hobsonville School Attendees Examinations 26 October 1886 link here
Hobsonville School Attendee list 1919 link here
Hobsonville School Examinations 19 September 1901 link here
Board of Education Inspection Dec 8th 1883 link here
New Zealand Herald, 7 March 1881, Country News, Hobsonville link here
Hobsonville District School Diamond Jubilee Ex-Pupils 1875-1934 link here
Hobsonville School Centennial 1875-1975 Photo of Second Oldest Group 1895-1904 link here
Hobsonville School Centennial 1875-1975 Photo of Reunion Roll Call 1925-1934 link here
Herald Island (also called Woods Island and Pine Island) history link here
Hobsonville Hall, opened 1924 link here
Country News 22 December 1911 link here
Country News 30 May 1912 link here
"They Came To Trade" article from Hobsonville Primary School Centenary booklet 1875-1975 link here
Children's Paper Dance, Auckland Star 28 August 1929 link here
Hobsonville Church History, Nor West News April 26 2012 link here
Hobsonville produced some champion scholars and sportsmen 1975 article link here
Hobsonville School Athletic Sports photo Girls Race circa 1947 link here
Some Interesting Firsts link here
Oldest Pupils Hobsonville School 1975 Centennial (1875-1975) link here
Hobsonville School students around 1910 photo link here
NZTA SH18 Hobsonville deviation and SH16 Brigham Creek extension September 2008 link here
Demolition Sinton House, 2-4 Sinton Road link here
Hobsonville School 150th 4th & 5th Generation pupils family tree boards Ockleston, Midgley, Williams, Boyd link here
Ockleston and Midgley family farms at Hobsonville map link here
Scott Road access to jetty 1882 link here
Hobsonville Presbyterian Manse link here
R.O. Clark Ltd glazed hollow stoneware bricks link here
60 Wiseley Road Joshua Carder villa link here
Unfurling the flag 1901 link here
Annotated map of Hobsonville - Len Smithies link here
Potential unknown gravesites in the graveyard link here
Archaeological Resources
An Archaeological and Architectural Assessment of the Structures at 2-4 Sinton Road, Hobsonville by Martin Jones (MA), Clough & Associates Ltd, 20 February 2001 link here
Archaeological Investigation of the Field Cottage and Ockleston House; Authors: Foster, Russell; Felgate, Matthew 2011 link here
R.O Clark's Pottery (1864 - 1931) Limeburners Bay, Hobsonville Archaeological Investigation by Clough & Associates Ltd January 2008 link here
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Notable Trees in Hobsonville
Triangle Reserve history
“I thought there was always supposed to be a park planned for opposite the Church on the old triangle? Now there is just housing. What happened?”
In 2018 Auckland Council decided not to allow a small park opposite the Church that had always been set aside by previous Council’s for a reserve.
Explanation attached at this link
Hobsonville Point Buckley B Precinct Framework Plan 31 August 2016 link
Agenda Auckland Council Finance & Performance Committee 27 February 2018 link
Sightline to Church August 2025 Sightline to Church October 2017
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120th Jubilee Celebrations 1875 - 1995 Inauguration of The Preservation Society held on 30 July 1995
At the Inauguration of The Hobsonville Church & Settlers Cemetery Preservation Society
on 30 July 1995, Mrs Olive Thomson (née Sinton, 1905–2005) had the honour of cutting the 120th Jubilee cake, linking the celebrations to one of Hobsonville’s long‑standing settler families.
On the same day, Mrs Valmai Ockleston (1909–2001) and Sir Tom Clark (1916–2005) each planted a commemorative kahikatea beside the front entrance gates. These trees now stand tall as living markers of the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage, each accompanied by a commemorative plaque.
A photograph from the event shows Mrs Valmai Ockleston and Sir Tom Clark planting their trees, assisted by family members Geoff Ockleston and David Clark Harré (1938–2018) - a moment that beautifully captures the intergenerational stewardship that continues to define the site.
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Restoration and Renewal 1995-2000
After many years of neglect and disuse, the Church building had fallen into severe disrepair, and numerous tombstones in the cemetery had been badly vandalised.
In 1995, a small group of volunteers - all descendants of the original settler families - came together with a shared determination to restore the Church and grounds to their former dignity for the people of Hobsonville and the wider district.
This dedicated group embarked on a five‑year restoration project (1995–2000) with remarkable commitment. Working bees were held every fortnight for more than five years, during which volunteers repiled, reroofed, respouted, repainted, rebuilt the front porch, replaced windows, and cleared and restored the surrounding grounds. Their efforts returned the Church and cemetery to a condition worthy of their historic and community significance.
In 1995, a small group of volunteers - all descendants of the original settler families - came together with a shared determination to restore the Church and grounds to their former dignity for the people of Hobsonville and the wider district.
This dedicated group embarked on a five‑year restoration project (1995–2000) with remarkable commitment. Working bees were held every fortnight for more than five years, during which volunteers repiled, reroofed, respouted, repainted, rebuilt the front porch, replaced windows, and cleared and restored the surrounding grounds. Their efforts returned the Church and cemetery to a condition worthy of their historic and community significance.
Below Left to Right:
*Laurel North and her brother Jack North (1927-2015) next to the Church Restoration sign in June 1998
*Geoff Ockleston, Sue Robinson (Boyd) and Jenny Gutry (Ockleston)
*Percy Midgley (1917-2008), Jason Midgley on tractor, in 1995
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Below Left to Right:
*Isobel Midgley (Jamieson) (1925-2020) and her brother Wally Jamieson (1927-2001)
*Dawne Laurenson (Ockleston) and Wally Jamieson (1927-2001) in June 1999
*Cedric Wiseley (1923-2012), Sue Robinson (Boyd), Owen Petch (1928-2024),
Judith Anderson Photo taken April 1999
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Below Left to Right:
*Graeme Laurenson (1938-2010) and Bruce Anderson (1948-2023) 30 October 1998
*Bruce Anderson (1948-2023) and Geoff Ockleston on scaffolding 25 October 1997
*Trevor Smith (1930-2020), Kenneth Child and Ross Swenson (1924-1998) 25 October 1997
*Volunteers cleaning up graveyard
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All the materials and expertise were generously donated by local firms and the work was done by volunteers. During preservation work between 1995 and 2000, most of the building proved to be sound. The entrance gates are the original 1940's Hobsonville School gates, painted in Pioneer Red colour.
1999-2000 Preservation Society Committee
Bruce Anderson (1948-2023), Geoff Ockleston, Sue Robinson (Boyd), Laurel North,
Kevin Farley, Owen Freeman (1936-2025), Jenny Gutry (Ockleston),
Percy Midgley (1917-2008), Cedric Wiseley (1923-2012)Sexton: Graeme Laurenson (Ockleston) (1938-2010)
Photo below taken 9 April 2000 Absent Percy Midgley (1917-2008)
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125th Jubilee 1875-2000 held on 9 April 2000
On 9 April 2000, the 125 year anniversary was held to celebrate the returning of this historically very important asset to its original state and the upgrade of the cemetery where members of many pioneer families are buried.
The Hobsonville Church & Settlers’ Cemetery Preservation Society Chair Bruce Anderson (1948-2023) welcomed around 150 guests, with musical performances from Hobsonville School and Miriam Brooke, accompanied by Zita Horsley (1923-2008), Plaque unveiling by Joe Midgley (1950-2024) as Percy Midgley (1917-2008) could not attend, a Dedication by Reverend Stuart Lange, Address by Sir Tom Clark (1916-2005), Bell Ringing by Eric Ockleston (1911-2008), then guests were invited to view the Church & Cemetery.
Restoration begins on old church 11 May 1995 link here
Hard Work and TLC - Western Leader article (published around 1997) link here
Hobsonville Church Dedication Booklet 9 April 2000 link here
Renovations 2017
In 2017 The Hobsonville Heritage Trust provided generous financial support in renovation work of the Church building and grounds including the repainting of the exterior, interior and roof of the Church, replacement of rotten weatherboards, new flashings, a fire sprinkler system, and the landscaping of the grounds.
In 2009 The Hobsonville Heritage Trust ('Trust') was established by a group of local residents and Waitemata City Councillor for the sole purpose of preserving heritage in the area.
The Waitakere City Council then paid the Trust a one-off payment of $300,000 for the Charitable Purpose: "To promote education, to protect and conserve historic buildings & sites in the Hobsonville area and promote education of the history within the area."
The $300,000 was the balance of compensation paid to the Waitakere City Council for the demolition of Sinton House by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to allow for the construction of the new SH 18 motorway.
The Trust’s main source of cash is the initial $300,000 deposit of funds to the Trust with interest earned and any subsequent donations.
Our sincere thanks to the Waitakere City Council for their foresight and generosity in providing the funding for protecting and conserving heritage in Hobsonville.
Photo below taken outside the Church, October 2017 of Hobsonville Heritage Trust Trustees at the time, Bryan Heron MNZM (1933-2024), Patricia Heron, Ross Dallow MNZM, QPM (1937-2020)
Renovations April 2022
In April 2022 The Plant People undertook a terrific upgrade and refresh of the Church grounds, with funding contributed provided by Angela Laurenson.
Angela's great-great-grandfather Joshua Ockleston (1836-1896) was an original Trustee of the Church, and the Ockleston family have helped look after the Church and graveyard for generations.
Works included a new temporary walkway fence erected on the Scott Road southern boundary (replacing the temporary AT orange net fencing), removal of the old post and wire fence on the eastern boundary, waterblasting of fences, fence painting, new aggregate and shell pathway and a new garden bed and irrigation system installed around the building, park seats installed on concrete bases, front gate bollard, weeding and spraying of graveplots, new shell on gravebeds, a garden shed and Church sign erected.
Photos: April 2022 upgrade and refresh of the Church grounds
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Renovations March 2025
Midgley Builders and Euro Painters undertook exterior maintenance work on the Church building.
Brendon Midgley from Midgley Builders generously donated the replacement of the rotten weatherboards on the exterior of the building.
Brendon's great-great-grandfather Edmund Sager Midgley (1848-1922) was appointed a trustee of the church in 1895 and became Superintendent of Hobsonville Sunday School.
Euro Painters painted the exterior of the building.
We really appreciate their professionalism and commitment to restoring and preserving our heritage building for the community.
Photos below taken March 2025, Moses Manukia & Khan White from Midgley Builders, and the Euro Painters team
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Garden transformation August 2025
A fantastic garden transformation was undertaken by the awesome Jules Moore, one of NZ’s top landscape designers, and her outstanding team inculding Diane Turner, at Touch of the Tropics Garden Centre & Nursery, 62 Trig Road, Whenuapai. Their website is Touch of the Tropics.Diane Midgley and Angela Laurenson generously funded the garden makeover.
Photos below taken 13 August 2025
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150th Sesquicentennial 1875-2025, 25 October 2025
Around 180 descendants of the early Hobsonville settlers celebrated 150 years on 25 October 2025 including Anderson, Boyd, Carder, Cater, Clark, Griffin, Gunn, Holliday, Johnson, Laurenson, Lindsay, Midgley, Nicklin, Ockleston, Parr, Powell, Scott, Simpson, Sinton, Smith, Strawbridge, Sumich, Swenson, Wallace, Waller, Wiseley, Williams, and Yates families.
150th Programme link
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Commemoration unveiling of plaques acknowledging the graves of early settlers recently rediscovered with Hon Cameron Brewer MP, and Hobsonville School 1 May 2026
A special milestone was marked on Friday 1 May 2026 at Hobsonville Church and Settlers’ Cemetery, with the unveiling of plaques acknowledging the graves of early settlers recently rediscovered on the site.
We were especially grateful for the strong support and presence of Hon Cameron Brewer MP, whose commitment to recognising and protecting local history means a great deal to everyone involved. Cameron’s involvement, alongside the Hobsonville School Kapa Haka group helped make the occasion both meaningful and memorable.
Angela Laurenson, Darren Midgley and Kohl Midgley represented the Preservation Society Committee.
Uzra Casuri-Balouch represented the Upper Harbour Local Board. One of the most moving moments of the day was when the children gently placed flowers on each of the 21 newly identified graves. This simple yet deeply respectful gesture was felt by all who attended and beautifully reflected the spirit of remembrance represented by the occasion.Together, it was a powerful and fitting way to honour our early settlers and acknowledge the history entrusted to our care.
Article in The Westerly Jun 2026 here
