Before local brickmaking took root, New Zealand heavily relied on imported bricks, primarily from England and Europe. These bricks played a foundational role in early colonial architecture and infrastructure, shaping the aesthetic and functional aspects of New Zealand’s burgeoning settlements.
The Import of Bricks: A Colonial Necessity
When European settlers arrived in New Zealand in the early 19th century, they brought with them their architectural traditions. Bricks were a cornerstone of these traditions, prized for their durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal. However, the settlers quickly realized that local brick production was challenging due to the lack of established kilns, skilled brickmakers, and suitable clay deposits in many areas.
To meet the growing demand, bricks were imported from England, where the Industrial Revolution had made brickmaking a well-established and efficient industry. British bricks were abundant, relatively inexpensive (due to large-scale production), and easily transported as ballast in ships. Bricks from Europe, particularly Belgium and Holland, were also imported for their distinctive styles and textures, which added variety to early New Zealand construction.
Characteristics of Imported Bricks
The bricks imported from England and Europe often had unique features:
– British Bricks:
– Made using uniform molds and fired in advanced kilns, resulting in consistent shapes and sizes.
– Often bore makers’ marks, which can still be found on some surviving examples in New Zealand today.
– Typically red or yellow due to the high iron content in English clay.
– European Bricks:
– Featured diverse colors, including shades of cream and brown, depending on the clay composition and firing techniques.
– Some showcased decorative finishes, reflecting the artistic styles of their regions of origin.
Key Uses of Imported Bricks
Imported bricks were used extensively in the construction of:
1. Missionary Buildings:
– Early Christian missions at places like Kerikeri and Rangihoua required durable materials. Imported bricks were used in their churches, schools, and residential structures.
2. Government and Commercial Buildings:
– Structures in towns like Russell (Kororāreka), Auckland, and Wellington prominently featured bricks brought from overseas, lending these settlements a sense of permanence and prestige.
3. Harbor Infrastructure:
– Ports and harbors, such as those in Lyttelton and Dunedin, utilized imported bricks for wharves and warehouses.
Notable Early Brick Structures
Some of New Zealand’s earliest brick structures were built with imported materials:
– The Stone Store at Kerikeri (1832): Although predominantly made of stone, this historic structure incorporated imported bricks in its chimneys and other details.
– St. Paul’s Church, Auckland (1841): One of New Zealand’s first churches built with imported bricks, demonstrating the settlers’ reliance on foreign materials.
Transition to Local Production
By the mid-19th century, as settlement expanded and local resources were developed, New Zealand began producing its own bricks. However, imported bricks didn’t disappear entirely. High-quality bricks continued to be shipped in for specialized projects, particularly for high-profile buildings and decorative purposes.
Legacy of Imported Bricks
Imported bricks remain an integral part of New Zealand’s architectural heritage. Many early brick buildings, some of which still stand today, owe their existence to these foreign-made materials. Archaeological finds at historic sites often include fragments of imported bricks, helping researchers trace the global connections of early New Zealand. These bricks tell a story not only of architecture but also of trade, migration, and the challenges of establishing a new colony in a distant land.
Today, the legacy of imported bricks is celebrated through conservation efforts and historical research, offering a glimpse into the early days of New Zealand’s built environment and the European influences that shaped it.
Written by Bernard Powell founder of Premier Group NZ
