Cordis, Auckland

[1] Formerly named The Langham, Auckland, it occupies the historic site of Partington's Windmill, a local landmark until its demolition in 1950.

During the New Zealand wars (1861 to 1866), four firearms were always kept in the mill which was located in a strategic position on the southern edge of the Town of Auckland.

During the wars, Charles Partington served with the British cavalry and the mill supplied the troops with food, chiefly biscuits, but also flour and crushed corn.

In 1892 there was a Supreme Court Hearing, and a Mr Evans received title over part of the land, probably through mortgage default.

Because of the City Council's decision not to press any legal claim or make a deal with the family the estate was eventually sold.

There are Mill Stones at the Howick Historic Village and the Museum of Transport & Technology which are labelled as coming from Partington's Windmill.

Most of the northern part of the site was devoted to the multi-story Sheraton Auckland Hotel & Towers, which incorporated a shopping arcade linking with Karangahape Road.

[2] In 1983 the final public reception for the Royal Tour took place here for Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.