Grey Lynn is described by the NZ Herald as Aotearoa’s “most fascinating suburb” and by The Washington Post as “the most rewarding of Auckland’s neighbourhoods to traverse on foot”. Verve – now also of Grey Lynn – pays tribute to the legendary suburb with the help of some locals that know it best.
“We’ve had our office in Grey Lynn for around three years now, and it’s certainly becoming a busier neck of the woods,” comments Verve co-editor Fran Ninow. “It seems like that Ponsonby vibe has spilled into it. People are friendly here and watch out for one another; there is a definite community spirit.”
Other Verve co-editor Jude Mitchell, who also lives in Grey Lynn in an awesome home that’s been converted from a panel beaters’ workshop, loves the suburb for daring to be different. “It’s diverse, it has charm, and it has culture,” she says. “The environment is so beautiful also, with the villas and bungalows spread along tree-lined streets.”
“It’s the kind of place where you run into people and have a chat,” says Kate Rogan, co-founder of Rogan Nash Architects. “Someone is always waving to a friend or sharing a meal together. It has a real sense of togetherness.”
Grey Lynn is named after Sir George Grey, a former soldier and New Zealand premier, and later Member of Parliament for Auckland West. Famed for its Victorian kauri villas, like Ponsonby, the suburb, springing from the site of a former Māori stronghold, was once home to an eclectic community of immigrants, and has experienced significant gentrification in recent times. The landscape may have altered, but a core of “anti-establishment artists” and “free thinkers” remains, exemplified by the likes of the Grey Lynn Park Festival which has, since 1984, celebrated its creative community.
Trish Clark, owner of Trish Clark Gallery, first moved to Grey Lynn, from Herne Bay, more 30 years ago, lured by “the more relaxed vibe”. Though now a Waitākere resident, her gallery remains at 142 Great North Road. “From my workspace I look across the top of Scanlan Street to the wide sea views beyond, to the everchanging light on the sea, and amazing winter sunsets,” she says. “I love the still-relaxed vibe of Grey Lynn, the mix of residents, and generally, the patina of age in the inner-city suburbs.”
“Grey Lynn is a great community, very mixed. It doesn’t have the same attraction as Ponsonby with its trendy bars and restaurants, and feels more authentic.”
John Ryan
Tonic Tile Lounge owner John Ryan praises the people of Grey Lynn for their support and sense of community spirit. “This was very evident recently during the crazy weather events,” he tells Verve. “People were supportive and empathetic to the issues the local businesses faced. The Westmorland district has become a real design hub for the area. Grey Lynn people shop local as much as they can, and this is really refreshing. We love being involved with their projects and offering a high level of service. There are great cafes, restaurants and bars nearby.”
Tell us a little about your business.
“We’re an importer/retailer/wholesaler and installer of predominantly Italian tiles. We specialise in big format product including sizes up to 1200mmx2800mm, with a full service from design to install. Our products are all exclusive to us. When you come to us, you quickly see the difference with our offering. We’re boutique and unique with something for all budgets.”
Favourite local cafe?
“Would have to be Bread and Butter. Good atmosphere, great food, always fresh, and only a three-minute walk from our showroom! The staff are welcoming, and they know what we like. Wolf, our white standard poodle, loves sitting outside and gets lots of attention. We like dog-friendly cafes.”
And favourite restaurant?
“Lokanta rates highly due to its point of difference. It’s tucked away up on Richmond Road and the food is always amazing and interesting. I like trying something a bit outside the square when I dine out, and they do that well.”
What do you love about working in the area?
“I have a showroom and our warehouse in Pakuranga and another showroom in Albany, and I live in the bays. However, my favourite location to work is Grey Lynn. I love the vibes and the eclectic mix of people. The eateries and bars are welcoming and chilled and simply nice places to be. The retail in the area is a unique and quirky and a lot more relaxed than in most places. People are generally friendly and happy to stop for a chat – especially when we have Wolf with us!”
Goran Loncar
Financial advisor Goran Loncar of Loan Market has worked in Grey Lynn for seven years. “It’s a total vibe and every day is different,” he beams to Verve. “During summer, it’s absolutely humming with positivity and there’s always something to do, somewhere to go and a new place to visit for a coffee or a spot of lunch.”
Tell us about some of your favourite hang outs.
“Foodcourt wins hands down! You’ll always see me there either enjoying the sambal fried rice or BBQ pork noodle soup – both are absolute bangers! Plus Orphans Kitchen, totally yummo across the board! For the best cocktails around, head to Deadshot where they make your drinks based on your mood. The dark cosy setting is a must do.”
What’s changed over the seven years?
The area changed particularly during the lockdowns with businesses having to close which is really sad. But I’ve seen loads of construction and development recently, which is great but the area will never lose its villa-style appeal.”
Sum up the suburb in a few words…
“A rich history, an unmatched community, and a sense of art.”
Martina Langsford
Martina Langsford, manager of Gregory Boutique, had, until recently, lived in Grey Lynn for seven years, during which time she witnessed “an exciting array of new businesses popping up, including some of the best restaurants, cafes, and shops in the city”.
“We opened the doors to our new Gregory boutique in Richmond Road in February of this year,” she tells Verve. “We’d been looking to relocate our Ponsonby store for quite some time and when we found a beautiful space at 104 Richmond Road, we fell instantly in love with it. We always liked the idea of being part of a small community and businesses who support each other.”
What else do you love about Grey Lynn?
“That it’s a vibrant and diverse suburb that values community, culture, and heritage. Its residents are proud of their neighbourhood and work together to maintain its unique character and charm. There is a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people, and Grey Lynn Park is a great place to connect with others if you’re a dog owner!”
What’s it like to work in the area?
“Being a part of the small, supportive community is the cherry on top. Whether it’s getting welcome flowers from our lovely neighbours Flowers on Franklin or picking up a coffee and salad from Ripe or admiring the diamonds at Diamonds on Richmond, we love being a part of our little community.”
Favourite spot to hang out?
“It has to be Lilan with its super-relaxed atmosphere and amazing food – it never disappoints.”
Sum up the suburb in a few words…
“Diverse, family-friendly, and a chilled place to be.”
Trish Clark
The gallery boss recalls long walks resulting in lots of social spontaneity and sitting on Grey Lynn ridge admiring the “long views out west and stunning sunsets” as among her favourite local memories: “Happy days.” Lively, sustaining, and relaxed is how Trish sums up the suburb, and as for her favourite place to hang out?
“Ada at The Convent, the best food by Hayden Phiskie, who was my regular chef at The Refreshment Room on Scenic Drive and sustained me with the incredible takeaways through challenging work times. Then, K’ Road’s Cotto, and now next to my favourite Milan Mrkusich stained-glass windows at St Joseph’s Church, tucked in the back of the renovated Convent – only in Grey Lynn would you have this wondrous mix!”
Gerard Fitzgibbon
Gerard Fitzgibbon, managing partner at marketingforCEOs, loves to begin his day with “pre-dawn early morning walk in the park”. Gerard has been Grey Lynn based since 2009. “It sure has changed a lot since then,” he tells Verve. “The process of gentrification has accelerated which has meant it lost some of its original charm. But it’s such a great location with easy access to the motorway, lots of places for business meetings, and proximity to plenty of fun spots.”
Favourite places to go?
“Freida’s is great, but Annabel’s Wine Bar remains my favourite.”
If you were to sum up the suburb in a sentence…
“Better than Herne Bay or Ponsonby by any measure you would want to apply!”
Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell
Fran says her favourite place to hang out is Westmoreland Street Precinct, “of course, our office is here, and I have a car park – a precious commodity!”
“There are a couple of really good cafes,” she adds, “one that does really yummy hot cross buns. Plus, Base Camp Yoga and Peak Pilates are good for a stretch and resistance training, there’s the best Farro and Countdown in Auckland, not to mention Fruitworld for when one is tired of Farro. Corcavado, Homage, Citta Thread and Bauhaus are great for a bit of a browse and if you like hardware stores the Mitre 10 is a goodie – as not too big or confusing. Commune for great hair and Hana when one needs to wind down at the end of the week – or rev up at the start.”
What do you most love about the place?
“The people, the well-established leafy trees, and the eclectic mix of beautiful homes – many stunningly renovated and stylish, while others are as they were 60 years ago,” says Fran.
“I love the Grey Lynn festival,” says Jude. “I enjoy the music bellowing out from the oversized speakers, and the families with their children all enjoying a day of dancing and freedom.”
Sum up Grey Lynn…
“Feels comfortable, like an old friend,” says Fran.
Jude calls it “eclectic and vibrant”.
Kate Rogan and Eva Nash
Rogan Nash Architects has called Grey Lynn home for over five years. “Over this time there has been a lot of new architecture, from apartment buildings to new homes and renovations,” says Eva. “It’s an exciting and inspiring place to be.”
What attracted you to set up business there?
“We love the buzz of Grey Lynn, there is a vibrant community which we wanted to be part of. Also, we do a lot of work in this area, so this is a wonderful place for us to see our clients.”
What do you most love about Grey Lynn?
“How people smile at each other on the street. It’s such a friendly neighbourhood.”
Best place to hang out?
“We can usually be found at Honey Bones getting our morning coffee. And we love Florets for fresh bread.”
Sum up the suburb in a few words…
“Creative, vibrant and social. A wonderful place to work and live.”
Luke Crockford
Few know Grey Lynn as well as Luke Crockford of Ray White, who has lived in the area for 25 years, and considers it the “heartbeat of Auckland”. “I love the food, culture, people, and how close and central Grey Lynn is to everything,” he adds. “It’s such a lovely neighbourhood for an early morning – or evening – walk, saying ‘hi’ to the neighbours, looking at the houses. A walk down to Cox’s Bay is always gold.”
Favourite restaurant?
“I’m a regular at Malt as it’s family friendly but I like them all, I can’t pick a fave – I just love food!”
Best place for a coffee?
“Big Sur or Neighbour. But I’m always on the run, so not too fussy as now you can get a good coffee at most cafes in Grey Lynn.”
Do you have a favourite street or house in Grey Lynn?
“I probably can’t single any one particular house or street – it changes week to week depending on where my listings are! Though I love water views.”
Why are you the one to come to when selling or purchasing a Grey Lynn property?
“It’s simple – I have great local knowledge and run a process-driven business. Both of these together have proven themselves successful. I’m also super approachable and I will talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime about anything.”
Faye Bland
Faye moved to Grey Lynn four years ago from Freemans Bay, in search of “a quieter inner city suburb”. Her favourite places to hang out are Freida Margolis and the RSC “for the music”.
“Grey Lynn is a great community, very mixed,” she adds. “It doesn’t have the same attraction as Ponsonby with its trendy bars and restaurants, and feels more authentic.”
Other Grey Lynn highlights?
“The annual festival. West Lynn and Grey Lynn shopping strips have everything – bars, restaurants, doctors, dentist, book shop, barber, butcher, hairdresser, and dog groomer. There’s Grey Lynn Library, the Farmers’ Market every Sunday, and you’re always bumping into someone you know at the local bar, Freida’s!”
Sum it up in a sentence…
“An inner-city alternative to Ponsonby, without the masses.”
