Caroline Williams reports on some of Aucklands mysterious million-dollar dumps. But capturing the images throughurban exploring also called "ruin porn"was not for the faint-hearted. Thanks to Daniel at Aotearoa Abandoned for the heads up on this fascinating location. Hi everyone, glad to be apart of this exciting forum. While Harley has always shirked the spotlight, preferring "to hide in the background and let someone else take the credit", the Derelict NZ Facebook page now has more than 25,000 followers. The fear of missing out on a house knowing that the price is likely to increase in the next few months is very real in buyers minds.. Dozens of rats have been . This house (above)is also in the Buller region at the top of the South Island. I can still see her watering her garden and hear her singing. Copyright 2011-2021 Haunted Auckland. Are you a Kiwi traveller with a story to tell? Any research would be complicated by blocks of flats with shared water meters or single properties with multiple meters, she said. Abandoned house - Auckland. 15-08-2014, 01:28 PM. "So many stories have been shared about similar run down places, people stop on their way between towns," she says. The. Housing Minister Megan Woods says empty homes are a "concern in a housing crisis", butthe government does not have enough information about why owners aren't filling their properties. The Art of Falling Apartruns until June 25 at Alberton House, Mt Albert Rd. The teams photographs have been used in the past as evidence in insurance cases, Fire Service investigationsand fornews media coverage. Officials say it's not that simple Premium - Community Housing Providers say more than 500 homes 'gathering dust' during housing crisis Government is building more public houses than any time in the last 20 years. Derelict buildings had a sense of "desperation" about them, he said. Vancouver, Canada, is one such trailblazer. Valuation number . Carlisle House on Richmond rd comes to mind, but you can't get inside. I have been a mad researcher of everything Paranormal, Extraterrestrial and Crypto-zoological, since early . The exhibition's curator Francesca Lolaiy says the photos contrast with Alberton's historical ballroom where they are displayed. By Mark Wallbank 06/02/2017 16/02/2018. He wasnt concerned the propertys state would negatively affect his own propertys value, adding that it probably added to the fascination people had with the area. 4 of 8 supplied A couch inside doctor's clinic that has been deserted for years. "The dirtier a place the better," says Harley of the buildings he is most drawn to. Photographing New Zealand's derelict and abandoned buildings Lorna Thornber 07:53, Aug 27 2019 Growing up in Muriwai on Auckland's wild west coast, Harley* and his mates were always on the. fourth least-affordable city in the world, Landlords selling properties make median $300,000 per sale, What happened after Jacinda Ardern said house prices can't keep skyrocketing, Auckland tennis court bought for 500 in the 1950s nets $2.2 million at auction, architectural history website Lost Property, 58-year-old man dies at start of mountain bike race, Person who died after incident in Auckland's Beach Haven named, What the alcohol industry doesn't want you to know, Christopher Luxon promises childcare rebates for any family earning less than $180,000, Teen boys charged with murder over killing of driver in Auckland, Homeowner says banks offering 4.99% under the table is a 'market failure', The Jugglenaut: How childcare became a for-profit game, Former Labour Party member becomes National candidate, Disappointment and tequila: How sporting power couple Dion Nash and Bernice Mene met, Wallabies star's NZ$1.6m World Cup gamble after bar brawl shuts down Japanese club. But the queue for them keeps getting longer. "If a building is abandoned and members of the public are gaining access we can also use the bylaw to compel the owner to secure the property," Auckland Council's Mark Parkinson said. Forgotten NZ. Happy with that. In the immediate term, politicians have failed to solve the empty housing riddle. Who lived there? So if you want results from a professional targeted property locator, click below. Unclaimed Assets.com Find Dormant Accounts and Unclaimed Funds Worldwide: NEW ZEALAND : New Zealand has a long history of legislation pertaining to dormant and unclaimed assets. Officials say it's not that simple, Premium - Community Housing Providers say more than 500 homes 'gathering dust' during housing crisis, Government is building more public houses than any time in the last 20 years. One of the best websites cataloging abandoned houses in New Zealand is Forgotten NZ. Fifty families in Tabasco, Mexico will benefit from a new community of 3D-printed concrete houses by Icon, New Story and chale. The display has been unveiled at Alberton, a heritage property in Mt Albert, as part. Do you know if your uncle held onto anything of the house, as I work with timber for a hobby and it would be great to get my hands on a piece of the original house to make something out of. In time nature starts to claim them back, and often they fall victim to vandalism and graffiti in their own beautiful way.". He also enjoys wandering around St Stephen's, a Mori boys' boarding school in Bombay which closed in December 2000 amid concerns about finances, performance and a history of violence but is set to reopen in 2020. GALLERY: "Airport house" in Auckland has been sitting derelict for many years, Daniel says. I think its a real shame that a piece of mid-century modernism has been left. Do not cause damage or steal from locations. I have found you on a family tree that my Nana Left us. Crow said homeowners would accept a "pushed-through" empty home tax at ratepayer level, like the Auckland bed-tax. Auckland-based photographer Harley Plowman has beendocumenting abandoned residential and public sites in the area for around 14 years. Property demand continues to outstrip supply, driving record median prices even higher. Discount Property will take the stress, time and money out of buying property Auckland or NZ wide. While Goff believed that Watercare would also be able provide data on vacant houses, the organisation said this was not possible. Those familiar with the Chhibas said they were a nice family, however they hadn't been seen in the neighbourhood for some time. Harley's photographs of the once popular waterpark show how dilapidated it has become, with stained pools either drained or filled with green-brown water, "danger" tape around the movie pool that used to pack out on summer weekends and weeds sprouting from cracks in the soiled pavement. We aim to make buying investment properties easier via our network of service providers so you, as our client can focus on what is important which, of course, is making money. She told Stuff she had heard of people who were interested in buying the property, but it remained unsold and unkempt. Some of the houses might not still be standing. "There's the connection and the irony that these are crumbled down old places no one loves and everything in this house, even though they are same things, are so wellmeticulously cared for.". It has many villas and palaces. Theres a mix of modern and original homes on Northcotes Ocean View Rd, but theres one unusual plot of land featuring a dilapidated tennis court thats set to be built on for the very first time. We may have something in common, Richard Skellern is also my Great, Great Grandfather. Fine-tuning your property purchase decision for your Investment need,s leaving time for you to make money. It was on sh1. Haunting photographs of abandoned, dilapidated houses form a new exhibition set in an Auckland ballroom. William Joseph Lynch 1910-2001. It was the first time the property had ever been on the market. Economist Tony Alexander said there was "minimal chance" of an empty homes tax arriving in New Zealand. Sign up below to be the first to be notified of the property deals. "No one wants to pay more for what they presume is going along just fine because their lives are okay. "It was around then that I started to take an interest in taking photos, but I only had a very cheap camera and no knowledge of how to use it.". A spokeswoman said that its meters were not set up to measure zero water use. That figure is higher than far bigger global cities. The TWG suggested local councils, rather than the central government, should decide. A third neighbour, who didnt want to be named because she works in real estate, said it was unlikely the owners had willingly let the property decline. James Crow, the founder of Gimme Shelter Aotearoa, an advocacy group for homelessness in Auckland, believes councils should consider an empty homes tax that could redirect money to affordable housing programmes. Once everything is in place the property becomes yours. "From that I decided I should start documenting this as we never know how much longer they will be around for.". A large number of these were holiday homes or properties which were temporarily vacant. Auckland mayor Phil Goff recently suggested ghost homes should be rented out on a short-term basis to workers, with the help of a "central government agency". Russell was having the property maintained by a gardener, however it eventually became overgrown with bush and bramble. A Chubb safe inside the old Palmers Garden Centre in Hobsonville, Auckland. Beyond our biggest city, Tauranga also has thousands of ghost houses, with nearly 5000 classed as unoccupied. When it came to the legal rules around urban exploring, Carr said it was a "hazy" area of law. Abandoned asylums and hospitals have a tense vibe, urban explorer Daniel says. Near lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand. Photo / Jason Oxenham. Abandoned hall in Okaihau, NZ burnt down by arson in December 2014 via forgotten.co.nz. Woods said it was "not a black and white situation, and we don't fully understand why some of these houses are not fulfilling their role as a home". Please respect the locations and the owners. Please respect the locations and the owners. A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the landlord used to rent the property but had decided it was easier to leave it empty. IMPORTANT: We do not condone or encourage the breaking in and entering of secure buildings. From time to time,often with thepermission of the owners or trustees, we gain access to abandoned or derelict properties to photographically document the interior and exterior. (Video first published in 2018. The former tennis court on Northcotes Ocean View Rd has magnificent views of the Waitemat Harbour and Auckland City skyline. Auckland-based photographer Harley Plowman's image of a derelict house. A seemingly never-ending project, he says it has convinced him more needs to be done to protect New Zealand's architectural heritage. Now, the landmark has been officially deemed dangerous.Stuff is New Zealand's largest and most popular news site.With more than 500 journalists spread from Northland to Southland, we cover breaking news, politics, business, sport, crime, the environment, health, education, home and property, food, lifestyle, entertainment, weather, travel, technology, motoring, farming and much more.As well as covering the stories of the day, we specialise in investigative journalism, opinion and analysis, and long-form writing and visual storytelling. We are not implying that these locations are haunted, (Some may very well be, but we havent yet had any reports) but present them here for the enjoyment of others. Many of the abandoned buildings Harley has photographed speak of faded fortunes. An abandoned house in Awanui, taken by Kelly Stacey in 2015. The figure includes homes with no current occupants, unoccupied properties being renovated, baches, and holiday homes. Smashed windows, tattered curtains and broken blinds an abandoned home in Auckland's North Shore. Its not an abandoned property as such, there are a few family things going on that doesn't allow it to be dealt with at present.. "Some places are accessed without permission, which can mean climbing, crawling and tight squeezes.". Capturing a visual snapshot into New Zealand's past before it is lost forever. Always seekpermission before entering any derelict or abandoned locations. Hidden away and forgotten about, in bustling Suburbia. London, with a population of 9 million, has 25,000 empty homes, according to UK government data. Abandoned buildings | Items | National Library of New Zealand | National Library of New Zealand Building noise Visitors to the National Library can expect some general construction noise until 3 March 2023. As a last resort, the council can prosecute an owner, however, that is rare. As creepy as many of the sites in Harley's pictures appear to be, he says he has only ever had one really unsettling experience. New Zealands empty houses range from modest suburban properties to million-dollar dumps. It is always a shame to see these old places disappear, but I can fully understand the economics. Hi mark. West Auckland abandoned, red-stickered houses reportedly draw rat infestation. Personal Home Buyer (Owner Occupier) The 28-year-old was viciously assaulted in Beach Haven, which is where he lived. Daniel later found someone had died there after prolonged illness and the family had suffered terrible losses. To ensure needs are met, Discount Properties ensures that there is a transparent process each and every time. " To Mark, every little piece of family info is great, and I also would be real keen if you have any other info available, as we have nothing, I have had to start from scratch. Hi Mark, thanks for the fascinating info! But the queue for them keeps getting longer. While an empty homes tax has support in some quarters, sceptics doubt it would be well received by the Kiwi public, which has a high volume of real estate investors. As their disclaimer warns - the houses are people's private property so don't visit without permission. While building consents are on the increase, the government's KiwiBuild programme has struggled to gain traction to fix the long-term supply issue. Mum and dad just wanted to pack up and leave. Hi Mike, I live in Huntly and can confirm. Property inventories were down 24.2 per cent compared to the same time last year, which meant buyers were more likely to consider buying houses to do them up, or demolishing to replace with multiple new homes. Yet thousands of empty "ghost houses" continue to haunt the authorities dealing with NZ's housing crisis. The old Tokonui Psychiatric Hospital south of Te Awamutu is among Harley's favourite places to explore. Paranormal Investigator and Founder of Haunted Auckland. Buy & Hold Property Investor The problem isn't confined to Auckland. A stunning old abode with stories to tell. Pre-approved Finance recommended to seal the deal. People were not allowed to use forced entry or cause damage to the property. They could also be an option for middle-income workers like teachers, nurses, and police officers who were struggling to find affordable accommodation in the city. do you mind sharing them with me, I would love to see them or any stories your family might have of the Skellerns. Stepping inside was like travelling through a "time portal", he said. A retro standing ashtray was still placed between two chairs in what looked like a lounge with large windows. Harley is drawn to evocative features such as dust, cobswebs, flaking paint and "the odd mummified cat". The Sylvan Ave property is one of several in Auckland which has its neighbours feeling mystified. "There's just something special about standing in a building which may be over 100 years old and picturing what it was like in its prime". She didnt mind that the building had been left to rot, but feared it could be a fire hazard and had asked children to leave the property on multiple occasions. Her mother had been living there, but she is no longer independent. Lake Como has been a popular retreat for aristocrats and wealthy people since Roman times, and a very popular tourist attraction with many artistic and cultural gems. From Wiki: Lake Como is a lake of glacial origin in Lombardy, Italy. Bindi Norwell, chief executive at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand, said there was "no denying that New Zealand has a shortage of properties". * Harley preferred not to provide his surname. Slowly crumbling, trees growing through the middle, returning the property to the elements. "I just enjoy getting out an exploring our country and documenting spots which many wouldn't otherwise see," Harley says. And whos permission do I need to photograph it? It was bought for 500. On Boxing Day, Russell decided made the decision to sell the tennis court, paying $22,000 for contractors to clear out the jungle and get it listed for sale. A photo of a headless mannequin lying in a couple of inches of dirty water at the bottom of one pool speaks volumes about the many New Zealand buildings seemingly left for dead. Attempts to contact the owner, who could be based overseas, were unsuccessful. In time nature starts to claim them back, and often they fall victim to vandalism and graffiti in their own beautiful way. Public records show it now belongs to his son, Robert. A recent study from University College London claimed an empty homes tax might be more effective in creating affordable housing than constructing new builds. The problem isn't confined to Auckland. But Ive never seen anyone walk in there [and] never seen anyone walk out of there.. The former Palmerston North Police Station, which incorporates Mori and art deco elements, was considered a model station in the 1930s and 40s. In 2013, Robert Gillespie reportedly told the New Zealand Herald he had hoped to add another level to the building, giving it a 360 degree view of the city and the harbour. We will tell you the pros and cons of each property to allow you to make a well informed decision. Please be safe and act in a responsible and respectful manner. It looks to have been a significant house of some sort and now just shelters sheep. risen from 6.6 per cent to 7.3 per cent of the city's private dwellings, 'Lock and leave' apartments blamed for high number of empty homes in Auckland CBD, Premium - National blames 'state house for life' policy for growing waiting list. Required fields are marked *. This overgrown entrance to the Sylvan Ave property. Dozens . The garden has grown around this North Shore cottage after years of neglect. READ MORE: * Landlords threaten to throw out 'bad quality' tenants ahead of rental reforms * 'Worrying' rise in empty homes in Auckland highlighted in Census 2018 * KiwiBuild houses selling on par with private homes. The London Mayor's office called the city's 25,000 empty homes a "needless waste and injustice". He's undecided on whether any of the buildings rumoured to be haunted actually are. Tell us more by emailing caroline.williams@stuff.co.nz. The property once boasted full-length windows, on both the top and bottom storeys. (Be mindful there is asbestos and structural failure hazards present, so darwinism really) 4. You can see it on Google Maps street view. A bit spooky. "He wasn't keen, so I decided I would start a page so my friends and close circle could see my shots and follow my journey. (d) has given notice to the Waitomo District Council of his or her intention to abandon the land or has abandoned the land. A neighbour thought the inside was graffitied. Email us at travel@stuff.co.nz, READ MORE: *New Zealand heritage sites in danger of disappearing * Photographer's determination to document demise of derelict former hospital *The fascination with dereliction - the love affair with abandoned buildings, "Many buildings were empty before the apartment boom started to happen," Harley, who now lives in the Franklin district, says. Homed's new series, Who owns the houses, will look at who is buying New Zealand's houses, who already owns them and who really benefits from this trillion-dollar asset. He said New Zealanders were "fearful" of discussing tax. Wes Willis, who has lived on the street for 22 years, said it was good to see the land put to use, possibly for two new homes. "You see places like Carlisle House in Auckland in the media every couple of years because the owner is still letting it sit and rot. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said he had spoken to ministers about finding a way to utilise these homes, and they had shown an interest. Across the globe, other major cities are warming to the idea. Hitting up abandoned buildings, storm drains, rooftops and lava caves, HMU for location trade. Urban exploring is all about abandoned places. [removed] acid-nz 5 yr. ago. We can refer you to our relevant contacts should further reports are needed to meet your Banks requirements. Michelle Russell said her father, Raymond Russell bought the neighbouring plot of land for 120 in 1950, when he was earning seven shillings and a sixpence per week. Read more: *The art of urban exploration *Urban explorers find abandoned 'town' in the South Island *Urban explorers swim channel, sneak in to abandoned, quake-hit island fortress. "Local councils should consider any solution that helps to keep a city thriving," Crow said. It's hard to explain the feeling. Cora was the youngest Daughter of Richard Skellern. Last year, its Tax Working Group report stopped short of recommending one. Surplus To Requirements. I have been a mad researcher of everything Paranormal, Extraterrestrial and Crypto-zoological, since early childhood. Note: Please, dont trespass on private properties. If you are on it you will be notified of property deals. READ MORE: *The art of urban exploration *Christchurch's abandoned buildings a criminal playground *105 years of the Hydro Grand Hotel. The Carlile House is one of the most famous buildings in New Zealand. "So we can get accurate information, but we would need to find a way to ensure we were not in breach of privacy laws in doing that. A recent Stuff poll found only 24 per centof people were in favour of the idea. Abandoned property search. A copy of the Auckland Star from 1975 reveals how much the city's housing market has changed over that time. On an expensive, popular street in Ponsonby, one villa has been vacant for 10 years. The property is yet to be cleaned up as her other brother was finding it hard to deal with, she said. The two photos above are of a small cottage on the road between Wanaka and the Haast Pass in the far south of New Zealand. Then drove past it an they were knocking it down. An abandoned house near the Waitkere Ranges in Auckland still has a lot of its furniture. It was the happy memories Russell had to remind her parents of when she urged them not to sell the property following Grants death in 1975, when he was hit by a drunk driver slightly up the road from the family home. Maybe my time hasn't come yet to experience the paranormal. Would love to see any old photos of this home in its better years if you have any to share. Sometimes sheltering livestock, sometimes hay barns;usually they just sit there empty and falling apart. Its owners, the United Church of Tonga, claim the lands significance as home to the first Tongan congregation in New Zealand is being neglected by Auckland Council, in favour of its history as an orphanage, preventing the site from being developed. As the government attempts to get to grips with New Zealand's chronic housing shortage, one old problem shows no sign of going away. A piano inside a dilapidated Glenfield property. I have a facebook page that I just started to advertise houses for to sell/rent/buy property New Zealand. Hi Rachel, My name is Mike, I have only just found this site, whilst researching my family tree. This was shot in 2015 before it was demolished. Travel, videos and music written, filmed and photographed by Ben Howe. Not all 'ghost houses' are in such a state of disrepair. Housing Minister Megan Woods says empty homes are a "concern in a housing crisis", but the government does not have enough information about why owners aren't filling their properties. Hi Elise, the house is at 165 Tregoweth Lane. Moving to downtown Auckland in the mid-2000s, Harley couldn't resist letting himself into some of the many old buildings left to sit in steadily-increasing squalor. A total of 196,506 homes were left unoccupied across the country at the 2018 census, according to Stats NZ. Unless the address is already mentioned in the article, we do not disclose addresses or locations of abandoned or derelict buildings. Growing up in Muriwai on Auckland's wild west coast, Harley* and his mates were always on the lookout for abandoned buildings, caves and other semi-forgotten spaces to explore. Between Nelson and Buller, South Island, New Zealand, The above and main photo is a farmhouse visible just off the main road between Nelson and Buller. Because we will get nowhere if we don't.". Another Facebook page Derelict NZ was dedicated to exploring abandoned structures around the country. The lawns are still mowed, but it never has tenants.". The house is located on Richmond Road. A neighbour, who didnt want to be named, told Stuff there was some spectacular graffiti inside the house, however she would never go inside, thinking it could be dangerous. "I've visited many locations which most would say are haunted. The tennis court once served at the neighbourhood hub where children would meet for birthday parties, roller-skating, and to play tennis and four square. "If we forget the day-to-day history we forget where we've come from and what we are.". Derelict and iconic Ahiaruhe house burns down, St Stephens House 9 St Stephens Avenue & 1A Brighton Road, Parnell [To be Demolished]. Goff said electricity company Vector could find out what houses have not used power for more than six months. It still had the old furniture. Old Huia Dam aka The Nihotupu Auxillary Dam. "There were a couple of homes which we would visit often, until one day we got caught after making too much noise from riding my motorbike through the house," the founder of Derelict NZ, a website and Facebook page which showcases abandoned buildings around Aotearoa, says. But he said vandalism had made the project difficult. So any solution would need to consider this.". Its beyond saving now, youd just put a bulldozer through it.. White Island Mines New Zealand's only active marine volcano, which last erupted in August 2013, can be found about 30 miles off the east coast of the North Island in the Bay of Plenty. Sackville St resident John Glass said the property added character to the area. Hi Mike, Great to hear from you. "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints". Harley says he's come across so many abandoned pianos on his adventures he could dedicate a book to them. "Then the company themselves could write a letter to the property owner and said 'We noticed your house isn't being used at the moment', would you consider having it managed by Housing NZ or someone else?". We maybe don't have the same level of decency we've had in previous generations.". It soon became the neighbourhood hub, where all the kids would come to play tennis and four square and ride on their bikes. Extra care and safety precaution was taken due to the derelict state of the house. If you are not happy neither are we. Real Estate Agent. Thank You. The photograph is part of an exhibition showing at Alberton. A piano inside a deserted Glenfield property. Property Trader (Renovator/Speculator/Developer) Some believe people who hoard properties should be penalised. Hard to believe now this house was once a warm, cosy home. 4 talking about this. NOTE: These photos are documents of the existence of various historical (and some non historical) locations. Don't even get me started on the amount of amazing old architecture rotting around the country which is owned by church groups.". Peter Townsend, who lives on the other side of the street, said the property had been vacant and derelict since he moved into the neighbourhood in the mid 1990s. But a portion of them were "ghost houses" - deliberately left vacant long-term by investors who wanted capital gains without having to manage tenants.