Architecture of New Zealand

In a connection to the land between North and South Islands, New Zealand architecture often reflects the surrounding landscape and topography.

According to Maori mythology, the creation of New Zealand architecture arose as a result of Sky Father’s children being lost at the sea in their canoe and freezing over.

Maori and Kiwi communities incorporate natural elements into their architectural styles, and also, this results in sustainable designs.

[2][4][5] Later, European and American styles were also built, for example in an early 20th century: Californian Bungalow design of a single level wooden building with a verandah became common.

However, New Zealand government rebuilt everything across Hawke's Bay region in an Art Deco style, which was popular at that time after the Great Depression and earthquake, just eight years before World War II begins.

[7] Many of the more imposing structures in and around Dunedin and Christchurch were built in the latter part of the 19th century as a result of the economic boom following the Otago gold rush.

A common style for these landmarks is the use of dark basalt blocks and facings of cream-coloured Oamaru stone, a form of limestone mined at Weston in North Otago.

This region was able to call upon the talents of many fine architects during this period, among them Robert Lawson, Francis Petre, Benjamin Mountfort, and George Troup.