Auckland's North Shore has long been known as a place apart, a place of leisure known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Until the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in 1959, it was viewed by many city-siders as a holiday destination, but the past 40 years have seen it transformed into a vital city in its own right. Yet its European origins go back to the earliest days of the settlement of Auckland. This lively history tells the story of the Shore's development from Maori and early contact times up to local body amalgamation and the formation of the first 'North Shore City' in 1989. It covers themes such as transport, industry, population growth and settlement patterns, arts and architecture, religion and sport. Presented in a coffee-table format, it is fully illustrated with historic photographs and paintings which will fascinate those familiar with the Shore as it is now. The book will be launched during the city's 2010 Heritage Week festival, in time to celebrate the city before Supercity amalgamation.