Have you ever wondered what secrets lie within a seemingly peaceful bay? Today we explore the story of Ōhinerau Bay. This bay is next to the volcanic cone also called Ōhinerau or Mount Hobson.
Ōhinerau Bay is more than just a scenic location. It is a place steeped in history and shaped by both nature and human hands. The Māori name Ōhinerau comes from Hinerau. She was a goddess of whirlwinds in Māori mythology. Mount Hobson was named after Captain William Hobson. He was the first Governor-General of New Zealand.
Ōhinerau Mount Hobson and its surrounding areas including Ōhinerau Bay experienced a significant geological event about 34000 years ago. During this time a “flare up” created lava flows and scoria cones. These formations are still visible today across Remuera Newmarket and Meadowbank.
Originally the hill on the bay was a Māori pā site named Remuwera. It was used for sweet potato and food gardens. Remuwera means the burnt edge of a flax garment. The area was extensively modified by human use. It served as a pā site quarry and pasture land. Later a water reservoir was installed in its cone. It supplied water to the surrounding area. In 1955 an additional partially buried water reservoir was built.
In the 1840s James Dilworth tried to buy Mount Hobson near Ōhinerau Bay to add to his farm. However it wasn’t until 1880 that the top of the maunga was saved. There had been public debate about sacrificing the landscape of Mount Hobson to build roads. Quarrying on Mount Hobson in 1877 caused public furore. So the maunga was gazetted as a public domain in 1880.
Between 1913 and 1916 there was debate about using Mount Hobson as a site for new University College buildings. The location was away from the city centre. It was handy to recreational playing fields and railway stations.
Three reservoirs were built on Ōhinerau Mount Hobson. During WW2 a hospital building was constructed in the crater for the U S Navy No.4 Mobile Hospital. Later it became Camp Oranje for immigrants from Batavia in the Dutch East Indies.
In 2014 ownership of the 14 Tūpuna Maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland was vested to the Tāmaki Collective. This included Ōhinerau / Mount Hobson. The land is held in trust for the benefit of Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau and the people of Auckland. The Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority manages the Tūpuna Maunga. Auckland Council manages the Tūpuna Maunga under the direction of the Authority.
Today Ōhinerau Bay stands as a testament to Auckland’s rich blend of natural history Māori heritage and European influence. It is a place where the echoes of the past resonate. The spirit of Hinerau the goddess of whirlwinds continues to dance in the windswept bay.