Introducing the Wellington Southern Bays Historical Society Inc.

Naumai haerei mai ki te rōpū kupu-tuku-iho o ngā ākau ki te tonga o Pōneke. Welcome to the Southern Bays Historical Society. 

We are a small organisation focused on what happened in the past to Houghton Bay, Island Bay, and Ōwhiro Bay on the south coast of Wellington, New Zealand. We acknowledge the enduring importance of indigenous perspectives and knowledge of the history of our area. We appreciate the generosity of mana whenua, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o Ika a Maui in sharing their knowledge and also the continued interest of descendants of former peoples occupying the area; incuding Ngāi Tara, Ngā Ira, Ngāi Tahu and linked peoples of Rangitane and Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa. 

Use the search function (top right, above) or the links above to find more about about our history. 

We were founded on 13 August 2003. We publish an annual magazine of historical articles, build our collection of local information (which is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays each month), and hold four public meetings on local history topics each year. At the Island Bay festival, in the Surf Club, we each year host a large display of our collection. Our supporters receive a regular newsletter and we have hundreds of people following our Facebook site. This website (2026) is our  latest project - it's a work in progress and we welcome suggestions and corrections. 

If you enjoy our site please consider becoming a supporter. We welcome questions, contributions and corrections.

Ka mua, ka muri – the future comes from our past