Hornby’s history is being brought to life in a new book, and the woman behind the project wants local families to help tell the story.

Writer Mari Swindley was commissioned by the Greater Hornby Residents Association in April to write the book ahead of the area’s 150th anniversary in September 2028.

The project builds on almost 20 years of research carried out by the late Ken Ocock, a former head librarian in Hornby and keen amateur historian.

Ocock researched much of Hornby’s past, including changes in local government, roading, early grand houses and the industries that helped shape the area.

He died in 2025, with his extensive research later passed into Swindley’s care.

Swindley said “My focus has been to ‘flesh out’ the facts, to highlight the people behind the decision making, the establishment of churches, businesses, industry and infrastructure, schools and shops.”

The book will explore some of the questions surrounding the area’s history, including how Hornby got its name, with Swindley discovering three different theories.

It will also look at why The Hub Hornby is located where it is, what occupied the site previously, why families moved west from central Christchurch and who was behind the major industries established in Hornby and Islington.

Even the history and pronunciation of Hei Hei will be explored.

Swindley has been meeting residents and recording their memories since April, including people whose families have lived in Hornby for four generations.

Others remember arriving in the area with their families 40, 50 or 70 years ago.

“Everyone has their own story, the part they played in the history of Hornby and the part the area played in their lives.”

Swindley said those who arrived much more recently were just as important to the project.

“Whether you have just arrived or been here for decades, your story counts. It’s important to build a true picture of the Greater Hornby district over the past 150 years.”

More interviews will be held at the Matatiki Centre library over the coming months.

Anyone with memories, photographs or stories about Greater Hornby who would like to contribute to the project can contact Mari Swindley at [email protected].