New Zealand Then and Now

then|now is a visual archive of places photographed across time. Each story pairs an older image with a modern retake so visitors can see what stayed, what disappeared, and what the street looks like now.

Stories in view

Mill House, Auckland

1930 Mill family home at Hobsonville or 'Windower'. Built in the early 1930s by Auckland Architect George Tole, Mill House was originally the residence of aviators Doug and Audrey Mills, founders of Mill's Aerial Survey and Transport Co. and pioneers in New Zealand's flying history. The house initially served as a base for aerial surveys and later as a hospital for injured servicemen during World War II. Acquired by the NZ Defence Force in 1937, it became the residence of the Base Commander of the decommissioned Hobsonville Air Base.

Corner of Rata Street and Commercial Road, Helensville

1930 Sheep on the move at the corner of Rata Street and Commercial Road. The drover on his horse in on the left, with some of his dogs up on the grass. helensvillemuseum.org.nz