This important port in Hawke's Bay is named after the colonial administrator General Sir Charles Napier. The town was largely destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 1931. In spite of the prevailing economic depression the town was rapidly rebuilt, and its previous neoclassical buildings gave way to art deco designs and the American Spanish
mission style. The new buildings were claimed to be earthquake proof.
Skilled publicity, emphasizing the town's climate, its unique assemblage of art-deco and mission-style architecture and the varied scenic attractions of its hinterland, has made Napier (pop. 53,000) a popular tourist center.
Earthquake, 1931
On the morning of February 3rd 1931 there was a severe earthquake in the region, shocks from which were felt as far away as Europe. Buildings in Napier and the neighboring town of Hastings were destroyed and 256 people lost their lives. The seabed in the Ahuriri Lagoon was thrust upwards and the town thus acquired more than 33 sq.km of extra land. This is now covered by pasture, various industrial installations, an airport and the districts of Marewa, Onekawa, Pirimai and Maraenui.
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