Petone, originally known as Pito One, holds a pivotal place in New Zealand’s history as the site of the first European settlement. In 1839, the New Zealand Company arrived, led by Colonel William Wakefield, and negotiated land agreements with Māori Chief Te Puni. The first planned settlement, named Britannia, was established in 1840, but flooding led most settlers to relocate across the harbour. Over the following decades, Petone developed into a thriving industrial hub, with major factories and workshops shaping the town’s economy throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.
By the late 20th century, however, Petone’s economy declined as industrial sites closed. In 1989, the town merged with Lower Hutt City, but local efforts in the early 1990s, spearheaded by community leaders like Roy Hewson, revitalised the area. The Jackson Street Programme (JSP) was launched to restore Petone’s historic charm and foster local businesses, leading to renewed economic growth. Today, Petone blends its rich heritage with vibrant small businesses, particularly along Jackson Street, attracting tourists and contributing to the area’s resurgence.
