Quay Street, Auckland

Quay Street looking east, 2011

The statistical area of Quay Street-Customs Street had a population of 2,274 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 18 people (0.8%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 1,170 people (106.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 1,107 households. There were 1,206 males and 1,065 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.13 males per female. The median age was 31.9 years, with 180 people (7.9%) aged under 15 years, 795 (35.0%) aged 15 to 29, 1,152 (50.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 141 (6.2%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 39.2% European/Pākehā, 4.4% Māori, 3.4% Pacific peoples, 50.0% Asian, and 7.5% other ethnicities (totals add to more than 100% since people could identify with multiple ethnicities).

The proportion of people born overseas was 69.1%, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people objected to giving their religion, 46.2% had no religion, 26.1% were Christian, and 23.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 924 (44.1%) people had a bachelor or higher degree, and 93 (4.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $37,500. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 1,185 (56.6%) people were employed full-time, 288 (13.8%) were part-time, and 87 (4.2%) were unemployed.[1]

The street was proposed in 1878[2] on reclaimed land[3] and was in existence by the end of 1879.[4] It was extended to the east to Campbell's Point (Judges Bay) in 1916.[5]

Double railway tracks were in use down Quay Street connecting the Auckland Railway Station to the wharves until most were removed in 1985, and the final piece in 1989.[6]

The iconic red fence separating the Port of Auckland customs area from the street

• Harbour Historic Area, north side of Quay Street, 1904-1924, wharves and associated buildings.[7]
  • Launchman's Building, Quay Street West, 1930s, Now New Zealand Maritime Museum.[8]
  • First World War Memorial Beacon, Princes Wharf, 1915, Earliest built monument for World War I in New Zealand.[9]
  • Princes Wharf, 1929, cruise ship terminal and Hilton Hotel.
  • Wharf Pavilions, 1915, relocated 1923, two buildings, currently a booking office for Fullers Group.[10]
  • Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street, 1912, focus for Waitematā Harbour ferry traffic.[11]
  • Queens Wharf, 1907-1913, significant part of Auckland's economy.[12]
    • Queens Wharf Gates, north side of Quay Street on Queens Wharf, iconic red gates and fence.[13]
• Quay Street Historic Area, south side of Quay Street East, 1874-1907, industrial buildings, offices and warehouses.[14]
  • Wharf Police building, 102 Quay Street, 1903, Chelsea Sugar Refining Company headquarters 1903-1960.[15]
  • Union Fish Company building, 116-118 Quay Street, 1906, car importing and engineering workshop 1906-1970s.[16]
  • Northern Steamship Company building, 122-124 Quay Street, 1898, Northern Steamship Company offices 1898-1974.[17]
• Auckland Harbour Board Workshops, 204 Quay Street, 1944-1989, site spread between Lower Hobson St, Customs Street and Quay Street, repair of boats, cranes and other equipment.[18]
• Port of Auckland, container and trade port on the north side of Quay Street.
• Auckland City Arena, south side, 2007, sports and entertainment centre.