Review: The Hotel Britomart, the capital of a new republic

Review: The Hotel Britomart, the capital of a new republic
The Hotel Britomart is the centrepiece of the heritage precinct in the Auckland CBD. (Image: Britomart)
Brent Melville
Auckland’s Britomart precinct wouldn’t be in existence under today's resource consenting rules.But back in 1870, it was deemed a good idea to reclaim land from the sea around Port Britomart, an area that now includes Customs St, Quay St and the huge Commercial Bay retail, dining and commercial centre. Prior to that, Fort St ran alongside the beach.The precinct was needed. The city wanted to ensure enough acreage for the expanding port and to cater for a growing commercial hub. The area had its heyday but fell into decl...

More The Life

My Net Worth: George Adams, professional director
The Life

My Net Worth: George Adams, professional director

A Coca-Cola leadership role lured the Northern Irishman to NZ.

Riley Kennedy 06 Jul 2025
Review: Brick Bay's Glass House restaurant is a feast for the senses
The Life

Review: Brick Bay's Glass House restaurant is a feast for the senses

A sculpture trail flanking a bush boardwalk is a bonus attraction for diners.

Helen van Berkel 06 Jul 2025
None more black? Range Rover blacks out the Sport SV
The Life

None more black? Range Rover blacks out the Sport SV

'How much more black could this be? The answer is none. None more black.'

Pentagon pizza index: slice of the action or cheesy story?
The Life

Pentagon pizza index: slice of the action or cheesy story?

US armed forces supremo among social media site's 200,000-plus followers.