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Masonic Hotel, Tauranga, 1866-1993 (Place)
SummaryThe Masonic Hotel was the first Hotel to be built in Te Papa, Tauranga, and was located on the 'Beach', later known as 'The Strand'. It is thought to have been constructed sometime between 1865 and 1866. The hotel was a focal point for the community in early Tauranga. Before dedicated council facilities emerged, the hotel was also often used to host important meetings. It is also noted as featuring a billiard saloon, self-purportedly "one of the finest in the colonies" .
In 1906 the hotel was largely rebuilt under the supervision of architect Mr. G. Arnold Ward (previous Mayor of Tauranga), as commissioned by then proprietor T. Floyd. Acetelyne gas lighting was installed, and the recognisable pillared veranda with decorative ironwork was also completed at this time. Further renovations were made to the building in 1917, when electric lighting was installed, and the building was extended to include more shop space.
The building remained operational until it was demolished in 1993, having served Tauranga under the same name for 128 years. The site on which it had stood was converted into an open reserve and carpark. An archaeological excavation was conducted during site redevelopment project in 2014. Further redevelopment of the site began in 2023, set to be completed in 2024.
Sources'The Masonic Commercial and Family Hotel, Tauranga.' 4 September, 1872. Bay of Plenty Times, p.1.'The Masonic Hotel'. 4 June, 1906. Bay of Plenty Times, p. 2.Bellamy, A. C. (1982). Tauranga 1882 - 1982. Tauranga City Council, p. 198.Phillips, K., Arabin, S. (May 2004). 'U14/3144', in 'Archaeological Survey: Tauranga City Central Business District, Te Papa'. Archaeology B.O.P, Heritage Consultants. Prepared for Tauranga City Council. Pp. 90-100.
In 1906 the hotel was largely rebuilt under the supervision of architect Mr. G. Arnold Ward (previous Mayor of Tauranga), as commissioned by then proprietor T. Floyd. Acetelyne gas lighting was installed, and the recognisable pillared veranda with decorative ironwork was also completed at this time. Further renovations were made to the building in 1917, when electric lighting was installed, and the building was extended to include more shop space.
The building remained operational until it was demolished in 1993, having served Tauranga under the same name for 128 years. The site on which it had stood was converted into an open reserve and carpark. An archaeological excavation was conducted during site redevelopment project in 2014. Further redevelopment of the site began in 2023, set to be completed in 2024.
Sources'The Masonic Commercial and Family Hotel, Tauranga.' 4 September, 1872. Bay of Plenty Times, p.1.'The Masonic Hotel'. 4 June, 1906. Bay of Plenty Times, p. 2.Bellamy, A. C. (1982). Tauranga 1882 - 1982. Tauranga City Council, p. 198.Phillips, K., Arabin, S. (May 2004). 'U14/3144', in 'Archaeological Survey: Tauranga City Central Business District, Te Papa'. Archaeology B.O.P, Heritage Consultants. Prepared for Tauranga City Council. Pp. 90-100.Photographs
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Kaitiakitanga StatementWe ask that, in addition to normal copyright and privacy considerations, users of our heritage resources uphold the mana and dignity of the people, communities and places depicted within.CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries
CopyrightTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesKnown Date/s
Date Built1865-1866Date DemolishedJuly 1993
Date DemolishedJuly 1993Location
Map Address69, The Strand, Tauranga, 3110, New ZealandLatitude/Longitude[1]
Latitude/Longitude[1] Relates To
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AuthorTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City LibrariesType of ContributionLibrary authority
Type of ContributionLibrary authorityloading google map....
Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries, Masonic Hotel, Tauranga, 1866-1993 (Place). Pae Korokī, accessed 15/04/2026, https://paekoroki.tauranga.govt.nz/nodes/view/101492
