The vernacular architecture of the city has undergone a series of changes during time, all saving the main principle of using natural materials found widely in the surrounding areas; from the Maori architecture to post-war and contemporary architecture of New Zealand. The most common materials used are timber, rushes, toetoe, barks, clay and stones.
Early houses
        Early houses made by settlers were made by materials found from forests and swamps, mostly. Timber were used to make posts, poles, roofs and wall; while rushes, barks and other plants were used to make thiching. clay mixed with straws or grass built up in layers were used to make a thick and warm wall with a stone foundation to avoid moisture reaching the porous parts; and the external walls had a layer of plaster. Roofs used wide eaves for avoiding rain to enter. All of these methods were used to create cob houses, helping heating in winters and cooling in summer periods.