Change makers and change embracers, meet passionate Aucklanders who are giving midtown a new burst of energy, helping shape new infrastructure and building te ao Māori into the fabric of the area’s regeneration. Hear their stories. Feel their optimism. Join midtown’s new momentum. 

Chris Hart – owner, Real Groovy

Since iconic music store Real Groovy set up at 19 Victoria Street West, the tempo of midtown has recalibrated up a notch.

Real Groovy owner, Chris Hart, appreciates the benefits of having Te Waihorotiu Station’s northern entrance positioned just 50 metres away from the new store, and he’s excited too about Victoria Street transforming into Te Hā Noa, a tree-lined avenue prioritising people.  

He can imagine live music spilling out into streets, squares and public spaces, in time. He says Real Groovy won’t always be contained within the four walls of the store as it becomes part of the local midtown community. Read more

Graham - Artist

Graham Tipene’s artwork can be found across Tāmaki Makaurau, from the impressive concrete panels in the Waterview Tunnel and Albany’s stunning Tirohanga Whānui walking and cycling bridge, to the Central City Library and Te Ao Mārama (South Atrium) at Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira.

He’s currently working on the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Railway Station (Aotea) and transforming the city-end gateway to Myers Park, using art as a way to recognise Queen Street’s history as a wetland valley and to honour Horotiu, the kaitiaki (guardian) of Te Wai Horotiu stream.

“With most artwork, you stand in front of it. But I wanted to think differently with this one, so you prepare your senses to look, feel and listen,” Tipene explains. “It’s about whakarongo – listening – and trying to make an emotional connection. If you sing the right notes – the tune, the pitch – this artwork will sing back to you.” Read more

Vivianne and Dan - Entrepreneurs 

A new entrepreneurial energy is emerging in midtown. New retail formats, courageous young people bringing innovative ideas, boutique start-ups and a new vibe. Howlin’ Wolf Cuts & Coffee, at 17 Wellesley Street West, is one of the leaders of the pack.

Serving good coffee, good haircuts, and good music, the new store is proving to be a winning formula for Dan Jones and Vivianne Castro. They have been able to navigate the headwinds of a pandemic, expressing gratitude to their supportive landlord.    

Dan and Vivianne are excited for the opening of City Rail Link and the benefits of more people in the city centre, and the opportunities that will bring their business. Read more

Chris - Resident

Chris O’Brien, partner and two ‘cat children’ – Lady and Earl Grey - are happy with their life in midtown. The young professionals who came to Auckland after eleven years in London, managed to buy an apartment in the High Street district 18 months ago.

They get around by bike, and apart from big appliance purchases (Chris says it’s a little more difficult carrying home big boxes on a bike!) life is super-sweet.

Chris hopes Auckland will take a leaf out of London’s book as city centre housing becomes more intensified. Read more

Roseanne - CRL Engineer

There is pride in Roseanne Ulunga’s smile when she imagines what it will feel like when she takes her future children and grandchildren to a finished Te Wai Horotiu Station (Aotea) and tells them: “I helped build this!”

Roseanne is one of several site engineers working for the team at Link Alliance who are building Te Wai Horotiu Station (Aotea).  Her role is to plan and co-ordinate the relocation and reinstatement of utilities – power, gas, water, fibre - within and around the station footprint during and after construction.

Roseanne’s investigation and management of any potential compromise of services, is critical to site safety and instrumental in minimising disruption and maximising efficiency for businesses, workers, visitors and residents in the area. Read more