Marino Gardens History

Marino Gardens has its own Historical Society made up of residents and owners who meet on a regular basis to discover and share information.

The historical/preservation society is dedicated to preserving, collecting, researching, and interpreting historical information or items relating to the Marino Gardens complex. The information gathered will be a way to help future generations understand the heritage of the complex. The MGHS, will be dedicated to the study and appreciation of all aspects of the history of Marino Gardens through research, and the collection and preservation of fine arts, decorative arts, archeological objects, printed and manuscript materials and maps, and historic artefacts related to the heritage of Marino Gardens.

If you have information to share or would like to join this informal group, get in touch.

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Milestones

Roof replacement (2025)

Replacing the roof of our heritage-listed art deco apartment complex had become necessary, as the original 1930s clay tile roof was beyond its 80-year lifespan, frequently leaking and causing issues. Repairing single tiles often led to more damage, creating a cycle of repairs. The new roof eliminated leaks, preserved architectural integrity, and enhanced aesthetic appeal for future generations. Due to the heritage status of the building we had to replace the tiles like-for-li

AHAG showcase (2025)

On 19 January 2025 the Auckland Historical Apartment Group (AHAG) launched its showcase series of talks at tours at Marino Gardens. The day began with a set of informative talks. Eric Laurenson, Chair of the Epsom and Eden District Historical Society, spoke of developments along Mount Eden Road at the time. Jane Aimer of Scarlet Architecture, the granddaughter of Marino Gardens architect Kenneth Aimer, reflected on his time of increasing local professionalism post-WWI. Rachel

Earthquake strengthening (2022)

In 2017 a report revealed that aspects of the building, including timber on the ground floor as well as brick chimneys, failed to reach the 34% New Building Standard (NBS) for earthquake risk. A major project was undertaken over many years, including disruption near the end by the COVID-19 pandemic, and in 2022 the certifications were completed at last. The entire complex now meets at least 68% NBS, placing it in the low risk category, and safeguarding the future of this hist

Heritage listing (2005)

On 8 September 2005, just prior to Auckland City Heritage Week (12-18 September), Marino Gardens was awarded Category B heritage status. Evaluation by council heritage staff gave a score of 64 points, which signals strong heritage value, and cited the complex as "a leading early example of a change in character in suburban dwellings." The listing, now known as Category 2 under the Auckland Unitary Plan, prevents the main building from being demolished, damaged, or significant

Redevelopment (1990s)

In the early 1990s the entire Marino Gardens complex underwent a redevelopment. The original floor plans included separate kitchen and dining rooms, whereas the redeveloped units featured modern open plan kitchen and dining spaces.

Swimming pool added

The original construction of Marino Gardens included a tennis court within the complex grounds. More recently this was replaced by a swimming pool and tiled common area, as well as a changing shed in the same stucco finish as the main building, with sweeping art deco curves.

Life at Marino Gardens

In September 1936, both the Auckland Star and the New Zealand Herald report the first birth associated with the complex; a daughter to residents Mr and Mrs Robert Stewart (nee Lydia Gosling). The first recorded death came in September 1943 with the Auckland Star obitary for resident Helen Laing, with a service to be held at Sibuns chapel on Khyber Pass, followed by a private cremation, and no flowers by request. Many comings and goings were recorded in the "social news" secti

Architectural Award (1937)

In April of 1937 the New Zealand Institute of Architects awarded their Gold Medal for 1936 to Kenneth Walter Aimer (1891-1960) for his design of the Marino Gardens flats. Aimer had been an associate of the NZIA since 1918, and in partnership with Hugh Grierson was noted for a number of projects in Auckland and elsewhere in the North Island. In 1922 Grierson & Aimer worked jointly with M. K. Draffin, and were associated with the winning design for the Auckland War Memorial Mus

Construction (1935-36)

The development was undertaken by Winstone Limited to showcase building materials they stocked and sold. Constructed of brick and Steeltex, this building advertised safety from fire, borer, vermin, dry rot, maintenance and depreciation, and is considered early International Modern style. Construction came at a time of increasing popularity of flats for residential purposes and were described as a modern trend of the time. It was designed in a two storey block with nine flats

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Timeline / Papers Past

All articles, images, and other resources relating to Marino Gardens, collected by the Marino Gardens Historical society. This is a work-in-progress.

Newspaper clippings from the Papers Past project at the National Library of New Zealand are reproduced under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence.

1940s at Marino Gardens

New Zealand Herald , Vol. LXXVII, Issue 23812, 13 November 1940, Pg. 14 New Zealand Herald , Vol. LXXVIII, Issue 23874, 27 January 1941, Pg. 1 Auckland Star , Vol. LXXIV, Issue 221, 17 September 1943, Pg. 1 New Zealand Herald , Vol. 81, Issue 24832, 2 March 1944, Pg. 4 Auckland Star , Vol. LXXV, Issue 129, 2 June 1944, Pg. 6 New Zealand Herald , Vol. 82, Issue 25167, 3 April 1945, Pg. 1 Auckland Star , Vol. LXXVI, Issue 220, 17 September 1945, Pg. 6 New Zealand Herald , Vol.

1930s at Marino Gardens

Auckland Star , Vol. LXVI, Issue 242, 12 October 1935, Pg. 14 New Zealand Herald , Vol. LXXII, Issue 22242, 17 October 1935, Pg. 10 Marino Gardens Luxury Flats "Situated at the corner of Mount Eden and Esplanade Roads. Open to the public for inspection on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next. These beautiful flats are constructed on the latest principles, embodying maximum sun and light, sound proofing, ventilation, cooking and refrigeration features." New Zealand Herald , Vol.

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