Don’t Be Light

The Cres

Wellington, Jan 2012: Visited this infamous Wellington suburb two years ago, just as the demolition of 88 state houses had begun. The area had gained national attention due to Mongrel Mob gang members terrorising other residents, and their ensuing refusal to abide by eviction notices. As of last visit the proposed new state houses were […]

Carpe Diem

December 2013: This former high school closed in 2007, and despite more than $85,000 spent on security since, fed-up residents have arranged patrols after systematic vandalism and theft. A poster in one of the classrooms ironically proclaims “seize the day”- yeah right… The New Zealand Government is currently trying to offload 52 closed schools. Doing […]

Not For Humans (or animals)

Prison

One of New Zealand’s oldest prison’s has finally closed its doors- after well over a century of use. It’s current status is deemed earthquake prone and too expensive to maintain. Now decommissioned, it’s listed as a category 1 historic building and land-banked for Treaty of Waitangi settlements…

Future Fix

New Zealand, October 2013: Exploring the grounds of a former historic hospital- unfortunately now earmarked for demolition due to the large amount of asbestos and at least a $50m repair bill.

ill Institute

Wellington, NZ, May 2013. This purpose-built institute and accommodation halls- of which I briefly graced in the 90’s- is now largely vacant and abandoned. It was constructed in the early 1970s in typical Brutalist style- not exactly an architecture form for inspiring students. I for one certainly found its imposing totalitarian and fortress-like qualities unconducive […]

Turuturu

Hawera, Taranaki, NZ, Dec 2012: The historic Maori pa site of Turuturumōkai, as of mid 2012 was in a terrible state of neglect. However in the duration, a group of local volunteers have taken it upon themselves to return this important maori (and pakeha) archaological site to how it used to look. It’s fantastic that […]

Battersea

Battersea, London, 1999: Some exterior photos of the Battersea Powerstation– late 99. This iconic London structure is arguably the most recognisable face of British industrial architecture today. Famous for its Pink Floyd album cover (with the flying pig)- Battersea Powerstation is also a bit of an urban exploration mecca.