The houses at 5 & 7 Garrett Street are important historic structures in the context of the street. They are the oldest and only timber structures remaining on Garrett Street and are important survivors of the era in which they were built. They are relatively typical of the working class housing that was once predominant in this part of Te Aro.
Te Aro flats have long history of occupation and development, and the harbour, shoreline, wetlands and surrounding areas supported several settlements including Te Aro Kainga and the Puke-ahu Pa. The area was subdivided in 1840 by the New Zealand Company’s Chief Surveyor Captain William Mein Smith, and the acquisition of this land – most particularly the subdivision of Te Aro Kainga – was one of many controversial actions of the New Zealand Company in Wellington.
The 1855 earthquake uplifted the land around Wellington Harbour by 1 – 2 metres and drained the Te Aro swamp. By the end of the 19th century Te Aro was a densely populated city-fringe suburb, predominated by working class housing. By the early 20th century the area was considered overcrowded, and this led in part to the popularity of the new suburbs that soon developed with the introduction of the electric tram network. Te Aro fell into decline and by at least the 1930s, had been declared a slum and proposed for redevelopment.
We know little about the history of the houses at 5 & 7 Garrett Street. It appears that there was a cottage built on the section prior to 1900. Herman O. Manz, the owner of the section, applied to build additions to a workshop located at 5 Garrett Street in 1904. In 1906 this cottage was likely demolished as Manz applied to the Council to build a double home on the same site.
Manz’s postal address at this time was 9A Garrett Street, so it seems likely that he was living at the neighbouring property at the time and these houses were designed, as many in the area were, as workers rental accommodation. Te Aro at this time was a working class area and these houses reflect that history. They have had predominantly working class occupants and have not been associated with any important events or occupied by noteworthy people. The houses do, however, add some historic authenticity to this area which has changed significantly since the time of their construction.
The houses next appear in council records in an application dated 19th December 1978 from the owner, Mr P. Sue, to ‘reinstate’ fire damage. The cost was estimated at $4000, and the builder for the job was R J Blair. No cause for the fire is listed in the file but the damage seemed to have been interior.
The houses have had few adaptations made to them since they were built and remain rental properties. These houses are surprising survivors in an otherwise heavily redeveloped townscape. The houses at 5 & 7 Garrett Street serve as a symbolic reminder of what was there before. Their heritage value is lies in the fact that these are the only surviving houses on a street that was formerly full of them. 5 & 7 Garrett Street are a testament to another time.
