…that was then, and that was then…

Words and phrases overlap and intersect to represent the passage of time in this large mural on the side of the Durham Lane underpass. The words are drawn Auckland's history and include the names of pa sites, natural features, and local businesses that have been built over and around in the landscape of Auckland. 'His Majesty's', 'Dunblain Café', and 'The Metropolitan' reference historic buildings that were pulled down in the property boom of the 1980s.

The mural was funded by the Chase Corporation, property developers who were responsible for the nearby Finance Plaza development and carpark across Durham Lane. The sponsorship was a result of Auckland City Council's incentive scheme for the creation of public art and public spaces by private companies.

In 2010 a mystery contractor painted over the mural. The artist, John Radford, restored the work leaving some of the grey paint to add to the evolution and meaning of the artwork. "I think it adds to the look of the work. There are now more traces of layers on the wall," the artist told The Aucklander.