Wellington (NZ) Development Timeline Pre 1840 to 1980

The Wakefield scheme - an urban and rural colonisation scheme with small and scattered pioneering bush clearing forming in a very difficult hilly district. There were mainly limiting factors such as lack of space and few economic opportunities with only a few settlers.

An earthquake raised land and drained away swamps providing farmland. Wool had become the mainstay of the district economy, especially in the Wairarapa. Trade, port facilities merchant houses and agricultural servicing developed.

Wellington became the capital of New Zealand

Wellington - Hutt Valley railway opened.

Large refrigerated meat export possible. Intensive farming is encouraged increasing the role of the central port.

Overcrowded site (Lambton and Te Aro)

Port function dependent on trade of primary products. Administration developing with establishment of Government Declaration.

Large-scale state housing expands residential area. Expansion of industrial estates expands city's economic base.

Wellington Motorway commenced

Wellington - Picton rail-ferry service commences.

Comprehensive Urban Renewal areas established, rebuilding in blighted area contributes to the redevelopment of congested inner city areas.

Todd Motors moves from Petone to Porirua

Unemployment began to rise

Wellington City population declines by 2000 as people move to Australia and Auckland.

Between the 16th and 19th centuries. Less than 200 Maori's were living in a number of small settlements on the coast. These were areas rich in marine life with bush and swamp vegetation. There were only a few pockets of land suitable for cultivation.

Vogel's land settlement scheme encouaged more land development, settlements and railway links.

Major secondary industries, processing wool, and meat, domestic industry providing food, clothing, printing and furniture.

Large-scale immigration, industrialization, and increased affluence created suburban sprawl. Large traffic and commuter flows.

Expansion of consumer manufacturing such as cars, clothing and household goods. Expansion of Government services - high rise developments resulted