Ever wonder how Glendowie got its name? It’s a tale of farms and family. Let’s step back in time to uncover the story of this Auckland suburb.
Glendowie, a suburb in Auckland, sits on the north-eastern edge of the Auckland isthmus. It is bordered by the Waitematā Harbour and the Tamaki Estuary. These waterways shape its character and history.
The story of Glendowie begins long before it was a suburb. The area around Taylors Hill was once a forest. Pūriri trees dominated the landscape. The eastern edge of Glendowie, next to the Tāmaki River, was known as Tauoma. This area marked the eastern boundary of Te Waiohua’s settlement. Their main settlement was Te Taurere, located at Taylors Hill.
Around 1750, Ngāti Whātua expanded their territory into Tāmaki Makaurau. Later, in the late 1700s, they gifted the land to Ngāti Pāoa.
The suburb of Glendowie was established in the 1920s. George Riddell created a loop road through the area. This development marked the beginning of Glendowie as we know it today. The name “Glendowie” comes from one of the Taylor Brothers’ farm estates. Richard James Taylor owned this estate, called Glen Dowie.
Richard James Taylor was not the only Taylor brother in the area. Two of his brothers also had farms nearby. Charles John Taylor owned Glen Orchard, which is now St. Heliers. William Innes Taylor’s farm was Glen Innes. It gave its name to the suburb of Glen Innes. Another brother, Allen Kerr Taylor, lived near Mount Albert in a house named Alberton.
Glendowie has seen significant population growth over the years. In 2006, the population was 7,971. By 2013, it had increased to 8,451. The 2018 census recorded 8,832 residents. In June 2024, the estimated population was 9,050. This growth reflects Glendowie’s appeal as a residential area.
Today, Glendowie is known for its affluent suburban character. It offers a mix of residential living and access to natural beauty.
Glendowie is also home to several notable parks and amenities. Churchill Park is a large parkland. It features sports clubs. Glendowie has a tennis club, bowls club, and taekwondo club. These are located near Churchill Park. Crossfield Reserve hosts matches for the Eastern Suburbs soccer club and Bayside Westhaven baseball clubs.
Several schools serve the Glendowie community. Glendowie College is a secondary school. Glendowie School, Churchill Park School, and Glen Taylor School are primary schools. Sacred Heart College, a Catholic boys’ school, is also located here.
Glendowie has been home to some notable residents. Businessman Graeme Hart and former opposition leader Don Brash have both lived here.
So, as we stand here in Glendowie, remember its history. From forests of pūriri trees to Māori settlements, from Taylor Brothers’ farms to a growing suburb, Glendowie has a rich story to tell. It is a place shaped by its land, its people, and its past.