The Near West

The Auckland neighbourhood of Grey Lynn has near legendary status. Sometimes referred to as 'The People's Republic of Grey Lynn', history is everywhere here despite its recent gentrification. From the eeling ground of mana whenua and its colonial carve-up into farmland, to the gradual progression of residential development through Victorian and Edwardian times and beyond, early industry, the rough and tumble of left-wing politics, the wave of post war migrants from rural Maori communities and the Pacific, the boho scene of artists, filmmakers, writers, journalists, musicians, the students and the safe haven it has always been for the queer community . . . there is probably no other New Zealand neighbourhood quite as fascinating. This comprehensive, engaging and richly illustrated history of Grey Lynn and its neighbours Arch Hill and Westmere surveys it all.