The history of Manukau

Manukau was originally a swampy area. The Manukau Harbour was a very important source of food for the Maori people living in the area. When Europeans started building farms in the area, they made use of the fertile soil. Most of the area we call Manukau was still farmland 100 years ago, and a lot of it was still being farmed 50 years ago. In the last 10 years, nearly all of that land has been broken up and sold for people to build houses on. Manukau is one of the fastest growing areas in Auckland.

 

Over a hundred years ago, Manukau was just mud flats. A Maori village near the flats was at war with neighbouring tribes. In the early hours, one of the men thought he could see enemies on the flats. He called his chief and soon all the warriors were armed and ready for battle. But when the warriors arrived at the mudflats, they saw that it wasn't the enemy, it was only birds. They had made a big mistake! The chief named the flats Manukau, which means "only birds".

Manukau's newest landmark, the Millennium Sculpture, stands 20 metres tall and stands at the intersection of Great South and Wiri Station Rds, by the Manukau City Centre. Its Maori name is He Taonga Hiranga Whakanui Whanau ("a gift to portray the importance of family"). The artist is Richard Shortland Cooper, a Manukau resident.