The Village is the vision of Les Harvey.  In the early 1970s, Parnell was dilapidated, but Les Harvey could see something no one else could.  He spent the rest of his life making sure that the ruins of buildings being torn down all over Auckland city could be used and preserved in creating something unique & magical.  He was a developer whose prime concern was that buildings be for people to enjoy being in and around.

Today the Village is a vibrant community of shop-keepers, art galleries, restaurants, cafes & boutique service providers.

The video to the right is from the early 1980s and features an in depth interview with Les as he walks us through his iconic development.

For more articles, see below (courtesy of Parnell.net.nz)
http://www.parnell.net.nz/Parnell_History_Les_Harvey1.htm
http://www.parnell.net.nz/Parnell_History_Les_Harvey2.htm
http://www.parnell.net.nz/Parnell_History_Les_Harvey3.htm
http://www.parnell.net.nz/Parnell_History_Les_Harvey4.htm