Orange Hall

Imagine it's the 1940's: trams are taking locals to the top of the rise up Newton Road and arriving at Auckland's Orange Coronation Hall (affectionately known as 'The Orange'), where patrons would dance the night away with queues stretching all the way down the road. In 1987, Brian Kearney wrote in the New Zealand Herald: “the Orange opened its doors six nights a week to the crowds queuing four deep down its steep steps and along Newton Road”. Owned by the Auckland Orange Hall Society, this historic building was the centre of the community and Auckland's dance scene hub for decades.

Built in a number of stages, beginning in 1922, the dance floor was thought to be sprung, made of tawa wood and the best in Auckland. Ted Croad and his band, who played swing and jazz music, led regular dances beginning in 1934, with the nights really kicking off in the 40's during WWII. Before the days of TV and other kinds of entertainment, ballroom dancing was a huge reason for the neighbourhood to gather for a fun night out; and it all happened here.

In 1987 the hall hosted the 'Last Waltz', and in later years was used for a Performing Arts school, then the City Christian Church. In 2011 it was sold, and in 2016 it was refurbished, earthquake strengthened, and the new 5-story building consisting of apartments and commercial spaces that wraps around the hall was built.

A local landmark which brings back memories for many Aucklanders.