Norman Wade and Alva Martin Bartley formed an architectural partnership which lasted from 1919 until around 1935. Together, and individually, they were prolific in designing some of the most iconic modern Auckland buildings of the period.
Some notable clients including the Auckland Electrical Power Board, the Auckland Harbour Board and Auckland Meat Co.
A number of the structures they designed which remain standing are listed on the Heritage New Zealand register.
Norman Wade
Thomas Edward Norman Wade, better known as Norman Wade, was born 1880 and died in 1954. He trained under his father, Henry Greensmith Wade (of the architectural partnership Wade and Wade) alongside his brother Henry Logan Wade.
While Logan Wade took over his father's practice, Norman Wade formed the partnership Wade and Goldsbro' with George Selwyn Goldsbro’. Wade and Goldsbro' was formed in July 1902 and dissolved in July 1908.
After the dissolution of Wade and Goldsbro', Norman and his brother Henry worked together as Wade and Wade until Norman joined with Alva Bartley as Wade and A. M. Bartley around 1919.
Norman Wade was a secretary to the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
+ Norman's Early Works Date Name Location 1917 Waikaraka War Memorial Waikaraka Park Cemetery
Alva Martin Bartley
Alva Martin Bartley was born in Auckland in 1891 to Clement Bartley. He served in the first world war, and joined with Norman Wade upon his return from the war. He died in 1979.
Works as Wade and A. M. Bartley +WorksYearDescriptionLocationReferences1920Renovations to the interior of the Auckland Working Men's ClubKitchener Street, Auckland (now part of AUT)1921Statue of Robert BurnsAuckland Domain1922Alterations to Auckland Electrical Board Building on 52 Fort Street, Auckland1922Dargaville Municipal Chambers39 Hokianga Rd, Dargaville1923Alterations to Auckland Meat Co buildingGreat North Road, Auckland1923Grandstand at Alexandra ParkAlexandra Park, Auckland1923Upgrades to the Criterion HotelDevon Street, New Plymouth1923Buildings on Upper Queen Street, AucklandNear the Baptist Tabernacle, Upper Queen Street, Auckland1923Block of 4 ShopsPitt Street, Auckland1924Proposed design for civic square. Came second to Gummer and FordAotea Square1924Premises in Victoria St in Dargaville for John DempseyDargaville1924Premises in Dargaville for Williams, Ball and FanonDargaville1924Pukekohe HallPukekohe1924Masonic HallTakapuna1925Premises for the Franklin Racing ClubPukekohe1925Brick Shops in Royal OakRoyal Oak1925Upgrade to Hotel DeBrett, formerly known as Commercial HotelAuckland1927AEPB building in OnehungaQueen Street, Onehunga (now Onehunga Mall)1927Kirikopuni butter factoryDargaville1927Auckland Meat CompanySymonds Street, Newton, Auckland1927Premises for Patterson and SonCross Street, Newton, Auckland1927Grandstand for Avondale Jockey ClubAvondale, Auckland1928Auckland Harbour Board building55 Customs Street East, Auckland1928Fountain of Friendship lodge, OddfellowsCorner of Newton Road and Dundonald Street, Newton, Auckland1929Additions to the St John's Ambulance buildingRutland Street, Auckland1930Landmark House187–189 Queen Street, Auckland1931H Stubbs ButcheryQueen Street, Warkworth19341YA Building74 Shortland Street, Auckland
Designs after partnership +WorksDateDescriptionLocationReferences1938Devonport Post Office (Norman Wade without Bartley)Devonport, Auckland1939Broadcasting House (1ZB) (Alva Bartley with Imi Porsolt) [demolished in 1990]Corner of Durham West and Durham Lane, Auckland References