Story: Hawke’s Bay region

Spanish mission style (3rd of 5)

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The Spanish mission style of architecture originated in the south-west of the United States and was popular in other countries with a similar warm climate. Design elements include smooth cream-coloured walls, tiled parapets and roofs, and wrought-iron balconies. The Hawke’s Bay Opera House, built in 1915, is an early example of this style, which is common in Hastings. Now known as Toitoi, the building reopened in 2020 after earthquake strengthening.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Hawke’s Bay region - Arts, culture and built heritage', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/23930/spanish-mission-style (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, updated 1 Jul 2015