One of east Auckland’s most iconic but little-known buildings has been recognised for its unique design.
The Te Kahui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects’ (NZIA) recent 2024 Local Architecture Awards named the Musick Point Memorial Radio Station, built by the Public Works Department in 1942, as one of two winners in its Enduring Architecture category.
The awards citation for the building describes it as “iconic” and says it was supervised by Government architect John T Mair, but specifically credited to John Blake-Kelly, who later became a Government architect.
“Named after aviation pioneer Captain Edwin G Musick, the building has served as an aviation and maritime radio communications hub, notably as a key facility during World War II.
“The building has also been enjoyed by the public for more than 80 years.
“The aviation connection is reflected in plan and siting; the building was not only to be experienced from the ground but also from the sky.
“The design encompasses the formal landscaping to create the impression of a flying boat and its jetstream or landing wake.
“With its central tower, curved two-storey projection and single-storey podium, its stripped-back form is an early and well-preserved example of the Modernist or Functionalist style in Auckland.”
A history website run by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage states the building, which served as Auckland’s new radio receiving station, was opened by Prime Minister Peter Fraser in January, 1942.
“In 1965 the Department of Civil Aviation moved most of its operations to the new Auckland International Airport at Mangere.
“Auckland Radio ZLD continued operating from the Musick Point site until 1993.
“A lengthy controversy over the ownership of the site was resolved by an agreement between Telecom and the Crown which saw ownership of the land passing to the Crown while Telecom retained a lease on the building.”
The building is said to house a framed and decorated copy of a roll of honour honouring nine civilian radio operators who died in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands during the Second World War, according to the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Unitec School of Architecture lecturer Cameron Moore, who grew up in east Auckland, says the building’s approach, massing and planning are all traditional, “with the main axis derived from the entry road, and the semi-circular form responds to the incredible views”.
“The central tower is well proportioned to welcome the visitor and the detailing is stripped back as was common with Government buildings of that time.”
The building’s history and heritage is also examined in the book Grey’s Folly, a history of east Auckland by Howick Historian Alan La Roche.
