This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 13 February, 1959. "The arrival of the teenage idol (Johnny Devlin) in Palmerston North this morning caused considerable interest. He was driven from the railway station around the Square in "Moriarty" an ancient car owned by nurses at the Palmerston North Hospital."

In 2025, the driver of the car in this photo visited the Ian Matheson City Archives and identified herself and the other passengers. Back: Rangi McGregor, Johnny Devlin, Judy Lang (obscurred). Front: Driver Mandy Harris and passenger Jan Longbottom (obscurred).

This map of inner-city Palmerston North has been colour-coded to designate the zoning or land use of different properties. Areas in red are zoned commercial, white are residential and purple are industrial. Recreational areas and open spaces are coloured green, while yellow signifies a community, government of council facility.

Scale: 3 chains to 1 inch. Drawn O.M.R. 28/7/1966, amended O.M.R. 13/3/1968. Plan no: 39/2. Map approved by Council on 23 September, 1968, and operative on 4 October 1968.

The Pohangina County Council was created in 1895 from the Pohangina Road Board and the part of the Oroua County that it covered. In 1989 Pohangina amalgamated with other councils to form the new Manawatū District Council.

This map features the printer’s code in the lower right hand corner, which reads "250.2.17.31" indicating that that the map was issued in February 1917 (although based on a 1916 survey) and 250 copies were printed.

The map is inscribed with the printer’s code in the lower right-hand corner, which reads "1000.2.04.933" indicating that the map was issued in 1904 and 1000 copies were printed.

The Oroua County Council was first formed in 1883, but its powers were in effect dispersed to the Manchester, Kiwitea and Manawatū Road Boards and the Halcombe Town Board leaving the County Council effectively as a figure head with no staff or funds. By 1902 the Manchester Road Board and the Halcombe Town Board were the only remaining boards in Oroua County, the others having formed the Kiwitea, Pohangina and Kairanga Counties.

In 1902 the Manchester Road Board petitioned for the Counties Act to be reinstated in what remained of the Oroua County. This was granted in 1903, the Road Board was dissolved and was used as the basis for reforming the Oroua County Council. This new council later took over several boards and committees in the township of Ashhurst. Oroua County Council remained in existence until 1989 when several councils merged to form the Manawatū District Council, except for the land containing Ashhurst which was absorbed into the Palmerston North City Council.

This map shows Kairanga County as it stood in 1916.

The Kairanga County Council was established in 1902 as a result of the amalgamation of the Manawatū Road Board and the Fitzherbert Road Board. The County amalgamated with the Manawatū County in 1988 to form the first Manawatū District Council. In 1989 most of the former Kairanga County territory was amalgamated into the Palmerston North City Council boundary.

The Pohangina County Council was created in 1895 from the Pohangina Road Board and the part of the Oroua County that it covered. In 1989 Pohangina amalgamated with other councils to form the new Manawatū District Council.

This map features the printer’s code in the lower right hand corner, which reads "1000.9/03.712" indicating that that the map was issued in 1903 and 1000 copies were printed.

This map has been created by collaging together cadastral maps of various boroughs and counties in the vicinity of Palmerston North, including the areas around Shannon, Foxton and Tokomaru.

College Street School was established in 1893. Although it achieved its 50th anniversary in 1943, its jubilee celebrations were postponed until March 1946.

This Jubilee souvenir features a history of the school, including lists of past headmasters, duxes and teachers, together with an outline of the jubilee celebrations. It also features advertisements for several Palmerston North businesses, including: Manhattan - Man's Shop Ltd; C. M. Ross Co. Ltd; Co-op Bread; Collinson and Cunninghame Ltd; Millar & Giorgi (P.N.) Ltd; Hopwood Hardware; Watchorns; Begg's; J. B. Gerrand & Sons Ltd; Scoth Wool & Hosiery Shop Ltd; and Latta & Gooding.

This image comes from a collection of glass negatives found in the attic of a Palmerston North home.

Set in upper Queen Charlotte Sound, this is a view of Picton taken from the inlet, Picton Harbour. The wharf and waterfront buildings are visible in the foreground. Picton is situated on a rolling flat and is surrounded by hills and mountains.

This image comes from a collection of glass negatives found in the attic of a Palmerston North home. The people in the images are possibly the Lovelock family, but their identities have not been confirmed.

The gothic style valve tower was constructed c.1872-1878 for the lower dam at the Wellington Waterworks at Karori. Nicolas Marchant, a civil engineer, was the architect. The earth dam was the first of its kind built by a municipality in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This is now the site of the Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne urban ecosanctuary.

A set of photographs taken on a Box Brownie showing various views of The Square covered in snow.

The Manawatu Times covered the event with the following report:

"Snow in the City

VEHICLES SKID IN SLIPPERY STREETS

Some 15 years ago there was a comparatively heavy fall of snow in Palmerston North, but there has not been such a visitation in tho city in recent years until this week, when there was a light smattering on Tuesday, and a slightly heavier fall yesterday morning. A severe frost, readings of 9½ degrees at the Boy's’ High School and 10½ degrees at Massey College being recorded, formed a thin skin of ice on the snow. Nine frosts have been experienced in Palmerston North during the past 14 days."

See the full article on Paperspast.

This image was taken for a story that ran in the Manawatū Evening Standard on 19 January, 1967. “A man was seriously injured on Saturday evening when he fell 10ft into the old subway on the disused railway land. He is Mr R. G. Wallace, aged 22, of Kent Terrace, Palmerston North.”

From 1890 a level railway crossing ran across the Main Street end of Pitt Street. In 1903, due to Railway Station alterations and platform extensions, this section was closed to through traffic and accessed via a pedestrian subway constructed under the railway lines.

After the opening of the new Railway Station in Tremaine Avenue in 1963, trains ceased travelling through the city centre. The subway was filled (apart from the entry stairs and ramp), and Pitt Street reverted to its former length.

This fountain was located in the western quadrant of The Square - this photograph shows it before the Coronation monument for Edward VII was shifted to sit within the fountain in 1925. The spire on the far left is that of the Catholic Church, then situated in Broad Street. The building with the clock tower on the far right is the Post Office. Built in 1906, the Post Office on the corner of The Square and Main Street was Palmerston North’s fourth, and replaced a small wooden building on the same site. In 1988, when Telecom and Postbank became separate entities, the building ceased to be the Post Office.

The CEPO was established in 1957 by a coalition of unions and women's organisations including: the National Council of Women; Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs; Federation of University Women; Young Women's Christian Association; and Public Service Association. It campaigned for women to receive equal pay in both the government and private sectors. The Equal Pay Act was passed in 1972, with equal pay to be introduced in stages, so that by 1 April 1978 there would be one rate of pay for all workers employed in any given job. In 1977, the passing of the Human Rights Commission Act outlawed discrimination in employment on the grounds of sex. Soon afterwards, the district committees of the CEPO disbanded, and the parent council went into recess.

Anti-apartheid demonstrators outside the NZI (NZ Insurance) building in Palmerston North.

Anti-apartheid demonstrators outside the NZI (NZ Insurance) building in Palmerston North.

Berryman's Lane from its Broadway entrance. Berryman's Lane is a T-shaped lane that runs from Broadway through to Main Street, with a side lane branching off to Princess Street. It provides service access to the backs of buildings. It was named Berryman's after the Berryman music shop that built for A.J. Berryman of Palmerston North c.1932.

Levin - Palmerston North via Shannon, Main Highway No. 60. Some sheets signed by W. M. Henderson, contractor.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 13 February 1958, page 8: "Professor G. Stewart, of the University of California (right), who was "chief frier" at the Massey College chicken barbeque last night, superintends the preparations. Next to the professor is his "first assistant", Mr. A.O. Moll, of New South Wales."

This plan shows a design for The Square, and includes a proposed new civic administration building between Main Street and Church Street. This plan did not eventuate. It is undated but may have been at the time they were exploring the need for a new Council building in the 1960s.

A view of the partial demolition of the High Flyers building from Main Street, Palmerston North.

This image was taken (but not published) on the 6th of October 1975. It depicts Rangitāne kaumatua Robert Governor (Kawana) addressing the arriving marchers.

An article published in the October 7th edition of the Evening Standard describing the arrival of marchers into Palmerston North is reproduced below.

“The Maori land marchers rested in Palmerston North today before moving on to Shannon tomorrow.

Their entrance into the city yesterday gained impetus as they sang their way down Rangitikei Street, led by Te Roopu O Te Matekite president, Whina Cooper.

Their ranks swelled as local Maoris joined their friends and relatives, amid hugging and kissing.

Behind the cloaked leaders the 200 marchers sang in the magical Maori way, unaccompanied, but in striking harmony.

The column went round the Square to the sound shell on the Post Office side where it was met by local Maoris and Rangitane Maori Committee patron Robert Governor.

They were greeted with prayers, hymns and welcoming speeches. Later, they marched off to the Maori Battalion Hall.

The crowd that followed the marchers to the welcoming site applauded the songs.

Tomorrow, Maoris from the east coast who have joined them here, will continue their march on Parliament.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day. The Pouwhenua is held by Cyril Chapman.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

The headline read: "An Open City for Maori Marchers"
The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day. The Pouwhenua is held by Cyril Chapman.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”

This image, although not published, was taken on the 5th of October 1975 for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard the following day. The Pouwhenua is held by Cyril Chapman.

The Article reproduced below was written by ‘An Evening Standard Reporter’.

“Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, the Maori land march on Parliament, arrives in Palmerston North today with a momentum that could prove unstoppable.

This is the impression gained after marching with them for the day yesterday.

Spirits were high today as the marchers, spurred on by groups of well-wishers and gifts of fruit from passing motorists, made their way to the city from Bulls.

Yesterday was a special day for Te Roopu Ote [sic] Matakite, ‘the group with perception’.

Their delegation had returned from Wellington with the news that everything has been arranged for their arrival. Fears of nowhere to stay were unfounded.

The city of Wellington has been thrown open to the marchers, with the Mayor to cancel all bookings for the Town Hall if the Maoris need it for accommodation.

And the Marine Department has declared an open season on all shellfish around Wellington so the members of Matakite can gather and feast.

The marchers talked of their plans and their aims with optimism.

In Palmerston North they expect to be joined by supporters from the east coast, who will march with them on Parliament.

They still want to speak to the full Parliament from the floor of the House, something the Prime Minister has said it’s impossible.

And until they are granted this meeting, they could camp on the grounds of Parliament, open a Maori Embassy, and wait it out.

The full claims of the marchers are written on the memorial, a scroll which as yet has remained secret to outsiders.

The march is not about land that has been already taken. It is to protect the remaining land that is in danger of being taken under new legislation.

The Maoris say 66 million acres of the land has been eaten into by legislation over a century until now there is less than three million.

The 1967 Maori Affairs Amendment Act, which some Maoris have labelled the land grab act, aimed for the final ‘integration’ of Maori land by 1973.

And while Maoris have been preoccupied with the Act, even gaining some changes to its legislation, other statutes have been put before the them to continue the process of alienation, the marchers say.

Statues like the Town and Country Planning Act, the Rating Act, and the Counties Amendment Act.

Their sacred march began at Te Hapua on September 14 and will end when their aims are achieved.

Confronting their column is a moving experience, and marching with it is an insight.

None of the passing motorists was irreverent. Sadness was obvious in the eyes of the older people who stood at their gates to watch Matakite pass.

The 200 marchers led by their flag, are bringing their problem out to the people, and ‘they will not fail’.”