Art Deco City

On 3rd February 1931, the Hawkes Bay region where Napier is !located was struck by an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.8 which lasted for 2 1/2 minutes. By the end of February 1931, 597 aftershocks had been recorded. 256 died, and thousands more were injured.

The town of Napier was devastated. It was partially rebuilt in art deco style, and today the area is rated as one of the finest examples of art deco in the world. The pictures below show some examples of what I saw on my (according to the stepcounter on my mobile phone) 27,897 steps in Napier on Wednesday 11th July 2018.

Waiapo Anglican Cathedral



Emerson Street


"A Wave in Time" by Mark Whyte. On Upper Emerson Street




The Regal Theatre. Not from the 1930s, but built in art deco style

Marine Parade



"Spirit of Napier' by Frank Szimay

The Soundshell on Marine Parade

Street sign in art deco style


Cathedral steeple

Veronica Sunbay on Marine Parade


Today Napier is a city with over 63,000 inhabitants. If my mid-winter walk was typical, then I have to say that Napier seems to have the perfect winter climate. And judging by the amount of people of all ages out and about walking, cycling and on push-scooters, this is a city where people appreciate good weather and good health.

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