12 Fife Lane

12 Fife Lane is a three-bedroom residential house in Miramar built with plastered brick walls and a concrete tile gable roof. The structure sits on its plot in a residential area and reflects the practical building style typical of pre-war homes in New Zealand.

The house opened in 1937 when Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage personally carried furniture inside, marking the start of New Zealand's first state housing program. It was the beginning of a major effort to house working families after years of economic hardship.

The residence represents the Labour Government's commitment to providing affordable housing for working New Zealand families after the Depression. It shows how the state actively stepped in to create homes for ordinary workers during that period.

The property is a heritage-protected building made available for visitors interested in understanding early working-class housing conditions. It is best to visit during standard opening times, and checking ahead for guided tours or special events can enhance your experience.

The first tenants, David and Mary McGregor, paid weekly rent that represented roughly one-third of David's income as a tram driver. These small figures reveal much about the modest wages and financial struggles of working families in the 1930s.

Location: Wellington City

Inception: 1937

Official opening: September 18, 1937

Address: 12 Fife Lane, Miramar, Wellington 6022

GPS coordinates: -41.32430,174.81746

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:42