Porirua is marking a major milestone this year, celebrating 60 years since officially becoming a city on October 2, 1965.
Originally granted city status when its population reached 20,000, Porirua has since grown into a vibrant and diverse community of more than 62,000 residents, with projections estimating it will exceed 83,000 by 2054.
Mayor Anita Baker says it is an honour to lead the city during this anniversary year. “While Porirua has a long and rich history, the period we have been a city is relatively short,” she says. “For me, it’s where I live and work, and is a place I am proud to call home.”
Baker sees Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour as the city’s greatest treasure, noting the importance of the recently signed Te Wai Ora o Parirua – the Porirua Harbour Accord, which aims to restore and protect this significant taonga.
A formal 60th birthday celebration is planned for later in the year. In the meantime, the city is running a #60for60 campaign, highlighting historic photos of notable events and places from Porirua’s past. These photos are shared weekly on the council’s Facebook page and a dedicated website: poriruacity.govt.nz/60for60.
