December 20, 2023
Back in Point Chev, we once again admired the solidly built state houses that take up most of the neighborhood. In the 1930s and 1940s, the Labour Government set out to build thousands of homes for those on low incomes. The standard of materials and construction was high because the government was determined that the houses would not become slums. They are primarily stand alone homes made of wood or brick with large yards to grow gardens. They were constructed using over 400 designs, so no two houses in a given area were identical. Over 80 years later, most of the homes are still in excellent condition. We cannot imagine a government today going to the same expense in building public housing. Here are a sampling of some of the homes. You’ll notice, however, some homes have been up-dated.
Not all of the homes are state homes. Because of the large lots, there is now a lot of infill housing, with newer residences built in the backyards of the original homes. There were also some original deco style homes.
We even came across a street that appeared to have been developed at a later stage with larger homes.
There is also an enormous retirement community in the neighborhood called Selwyn Village. Covering everything from independent living to residential to hospital care, the community looked immaculate.
Down below the Village is a pretty park, overlooking the inner harbor and the distant humming northwest motorway. We have been impressed by the number of well kept boardwalks that we have come across winding through native forest and over marshland along the city’s shoreline.
Our classic vehicle of the day is this bright yellow VW Kombi.
You can always tell in New Zealand when Christmas is near because the pohutukawa and jacaranda trees are in bloom.
But for those who needed a reminder, there was this helpful flag waving over one home.
In Auckland every neighborhood has at least one cute little bistro or cafe serving excellent coffee, fresh food and home baked goods. Point Chev is no exception, so we stopped into the aptly named Ambler for avocado on toast, cappuccino and a long black (the New Zealand equivalent of an americano but stronger).
Mal and Lauren 