Construction

Wharenui Apartments were designed by the architect  W. E. Lavelle, Structon Group Architects and constructed by Beazley, Wilkins, Davies, Construction Co. Limited between 1957 and 1960. The project was originally for 70 apartments but was reduced to 40.

In a 21 August 1956 letter to the City Engineer, W. E. Lavelle said:
The project as a whole is of such significance as a guide to desirable future development in Wellington that it is worthy of every assistance and encouragement.

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Modernist style

Wharenui Apartments is an elegant example of the mid-century modernist style. The use of the unusual winged plan and repetitive window design provides the viewer with considerable interest, while giving the occupants a variety of magnificent views out over Wellington Harbour.

An impressive reference book about the modernist movement in New Zealand can be found in Julia Gatley (ed), Long Live the Modern: New Zealand’s New Architecture, 1904-1984, published by Auckland University Press. The naming of Wharenui Apartments is an example of an interesting Pakeha practice of giving buildings Maori names, and others in Oriental Bay include Matai Moana, Rehutai and Te Kainga.’

First occupants

The building’s first occupiers included many of the city’s luminaries. One of the building’s architects, Bill Lavelle remained an occupant until his death in 1974. Among other early occupants were former Mayoress Lady Rose Appleton, Harold Austad, former Olympic Association president and advertising executive, and Allan Hornblow, a prominent Wellington lawyer.