Sir Bob Harvey's book Sea Edge is the culmination of years of research into the history and photo archives of Auckland's majestic Waitematā Harbour.
A remarkable rendering of the foreshore at the foot of Queen Street, Commercial Bay, with a glimpse of tents, raupō huts and the first settlement rising up to Britomart Point. (Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-9089. Image based on a photograph in Early History of New Zealand by R.A. Sherrin and J.H. Wallace (1890) in which the photograph is dated 1841 )
More a mural than a painting, this stunning drawing is a rendering of Auckland City from 1840 to 1860 by John Cecil Hill, 1951. (Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, NZ Map 5673)
High on a mast above Western Quay, photographer G.D. Valentine captures an early morning departure of a fully laden paddle steamer heading for Devonport. This photograph was taken in late 1885 or early 1886. The strolling crowd suggests it might be a late Sunday morning.
(Ref: PA7-54-17, G.D. Valentine, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand)
Auckland’s Queen Street Railway Station, which opened on 30 November 1885. It was the second railway station built in Auckland and was operational until 1930. (Ref: AAVK W3493 Box 379 E-2547 R16470624, Archives New Zealand)
Crowds at Mechanics Bay watch the arrival of the inaugural Pan American Airways flying boat Samoan Clipper, March 1937. (Ref: WA-03446-G, photograph by Leo White for Whites Aviation Ltd, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand)
Commercial Bay. At left is the Ferry Building and ticket office, completed in 1912. Standing alone on Fanshawe Street at far right is the Kauri Timber Company office, completed in 1881. This building still stands on Fanshawe Street today. It is one of only three remaining waterfront structures west of Queen Street remaining. (Ted Scott Collection)
Sheds full of New Zealand’s growing wealth, ready for local and international markets, mid-1920s. Shed 10 is at right in front of Shed 11, which today is in storage with the Auckland Council. (Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-647)
Saved from demolition and restored by Waterfront Auckland for future generations, Shed 10 is a much-in-demand venue for product launches, grand dinners and weddings. (Jonny Davis)
With fronds and bunting aplenty the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) arrive for their state visit at Auckland in 1927, stepping ashore at the Admiralty Steps. The visit was a triumph for the popular royal parents of the present queen, Elizabeth II. (Ref: AAQ1 6539 A1571, Archives New Zealand, National Publicity Studios collection, photographer unknown, 1927)
Awaiting the first span to be brought into place on the next high tide. (Ref. WA-48852-G, Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand)
A night-time aerial image of the Ports of Auckland. (Ports of Auckland)
Archimedia gives the harbour a twenty-first century solution, a starting point for new dreams and a vision of the future from young architects, planners and designers. (Archimedia)
Best known as a Westie for his time as Waitakere's mayor, Sir Bob was actually born in Herne Bay and spent much of his early life on the waterfront where his father was a fisherman.
He's drawn on his lifetime's connection to the harbour and his experience in the city's governance to help investigate Auckland's history, its present and issues for its future.
