We aim to discover and preserve the rich history of Blockhouse Bay, one of the
innermost suburbs on the shores of the Manukau Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand.
Look at our Diary for the dates of meetings and special events.
The Blockhouse Bay Historical Society Incorporated was formed in 1998 to record and preserve
the fascinating history of the area. Since then interest in the Society has intensified,
the membership has grown and a great deal of valuable material secured.
Can you help us in our continuing efforts to discover and preserve our rich & varied history?
We are keen to see your special photos of people, places, homes, buildings and events in Blockhouse Bay. Also, invaluable are newspaper cuttings, articles and documents.
Oral histories are equally important. If you have any stories or anecdotes from the ‘Old Days’ and even ‘Not So Old Days’, we would love to hear from you.
Searching our articles by Location
If you would like to know something about a particular location try clicking on a blue marker on the map below and then click on the link provided
Reflecting upon the past few ‘not at all what we expected’ years: Cyclone Gabrielle, January - March flooding, White Island eruption, Anzac Day 2020 & Covid-19
Looking back on the recent Heritage Festival 2023: Wedding & the Ever After’s photo exhibition at Armanasco House. Images of members: Sheila Sekula, Angela Grace-Jones, Anne Bell & Eileen Rusden
Leaving a legacy of local history. In August this year, Blockhouse Bay lost a local legend: Keith Rusden
A quiet achiever whose creativity and knowledge enriched the lives of so many. In November this year, Blockhouse Bay lost a well loved local librarian and true advocate for the early history of the Bay: Carol Augustine.
In collaboration with the Blockhouse Bay Library, the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society presents a dual exhibition of wedding images, stories and memorabilia through time. Both venues are located in the Gittos Domain and we encourage everyone to view these complimentary exhibitions in tandem. There will be a wide variety of images across differing era’s, many sourced from the community as well as our extensive archives. Together, we celebrate the history of love in the Bay. Society members will be on hand to answer questions, expand on stories of local families and guide you through our permanent displays in the oldest surviving settlers cottage in Blockhouse Bay.
