Porirua's history – what's the story?

Want to find information about Porirua's history in a hurry? Here are some resources from the City Centre Library's heritage collection to help get you started.

Want to find information about Porirua's history in a hurry? Here are some resources from the City Centre Library's heritage collection to help get you started.

Booklets about Porirua

Below are a series of booklets produced by the Porirua Museum about aspects of Porirua's history. The links take you to the library's catalogue where you can access a digitised version of the booklet.

Porirua libraries

Porirua has been supporting libraries since the 1940s, relying on volunteers to provide their library fix. Porirua Public Library was officially opened on 11 April 1962 with Cath Mathews as Porirua's first city librarian. Discover the story behind your local library in the booklet below.

History at Pātaka Art + Museum

Immerse yourself in our rich cultural history at Pātaka Art + Museum. We've got precious taonga to view, and our videos and interactives will transport you to another time and place.

Exhibition:  👉 Whiti Te Rā – The Story of Ngāti Toa Rangatira