PETONE’S HISTORY
Historic Petone (aka Pito One)
Petone: The Birthplace of New Zealand’s European Settlement
Petone, originally known as Pito One, marks the birthplace of New Zealand’s European settlement, with the first organised arrival of British settlers in 1840. It was the site of New Zealand’s first planned settlement and the signing of a significant land agreement between the New Zealand Company and Māori Chief Te Puni.
History of Petone
Petone is a place with a rich and long history!
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.
Jackson Street
Jackson Street was not originally intended to be Petone’s main street: Nelson Street, known in the late 1800’s as Petone Avenue, was the main business street. However, its north-south axis was not suitable for a number of reasons including the prevailing winds!
What began to develop was an east-west access…
Latest Historic Articles
- Walk of Champions 2025
Walk of Champions 2025 Walk of Champions 2025 Celebrating Our Sporting Heroes Petone’s Walk of Champions, located along the historic Jackson Street, is a unique and growing tribute to the town’s proud sporting legacy. Featuring 150 bronze plaques embedded in the footpath, it honours more than 200 local athletes who… Read more: Walk of Champions 2025 - Jackson Street Programme Inc.
Jackson Street Programme Inc. Jackson Street has always been a busy street. In the 1890s there were several shops spread along Jackson Street between Nelson and Beach Streets, and Petone was said to resemble a wild west town! In the early 1900s it began to take on the appearance… Read more: Jackson Street Programme Inc. - Walk of Champions
Walk of Champions Petone is known as “The Cradle of Champions” A phrase first coined by Sir Thomas Wilford, MP for Hutt (1889-1929). To explain the story of the greatness of New Zealand on the fields of sport by Petone citizens – a remarkable achievement that Petone possesses – you… Read more: Walk of Champions - Jackson Street
JACKSON STREET Jackson Street was not originally intended to be Petone’s main street Nelson Street, known in the late 1800’s as Petone Avenue, was the main business street. However, its north-south axis was not suitable for a number of reasons including the prevailing winds! What began to develop was an… Read more: Jackson Street - Petone Firsts
Petone Firsts Apart from Petone being the first organised European settlement in NZ, we’re also the home to other NZ firsts… - Historic PetoneHISTORIC PETONE New Zealand as we know it today, started here in Pito One, now Petone. In August 1839, the Tory set sail from Gravesend in England. On board were representatives of the New Zealand Company, sent to smooth the way for organised settlement. Their objectives were to purchase land,… Read more: Historic Petone