Art Deco is the answer

Art Deco is something that New Zealand, particularly Wellington, makes a lot of. In the 1920s-30s this style was seen as embodying sunshine, light, progress and travel - all suited to a newly confident country for whom the joys of travel were an essential part. And concrete just worked here - it's earthquake-proof (unlike bricks) and fireproof (unlike wood), and also it can be made and processed here with no need to bring building materials in by sea. 

An added bonus for lovers of Art Deco is the Kiwi 'make do and mend' attitude, which leaves these places standing long after they'd have been knocked down elsewhere.  All of the buildings here are only standing because they've been restored and strengthened in recent years. 

The eagle-eyed might notice some of this strays from Art Deco to Formal Classical and a few related labels. Like everything else here, it's all a bit time-slipped and category-slipped - but here we go...