Pause for a moment here at the \u0100whitu Regional Park Picture Frame. Have you ever considered how a simple frame can transform our perception of the world? This isn’t just any frame. It is one of Auckland’s nine golden frames. They encourage us to pause. They encourage us to admire the regional parks for the masterpieces that they are.
The \u0100whitu Regional Park Picture Frame is located at the lookout point near the start of the Brook Homestead Walk. It provides a unique perspective on this scenic gem. It sits on the western shores of Manukau Harbour. The frame has been here since 1999. It was long before social media became popular.
This area gets its name from the feeling of yearning or \u0101whitu. It was felt by H\u014dturoa. He was the leader of the Tainui waka. He felt it when he left this area. Looking through this \u0100whitu Regional Park Picture Frame, it’s easy to understand his sense of longing.
Before you, the \u0100whitu Regional Park unfolds. It features two white sand beaches Kaurit\u016btahi Beach and Brook Beach. There are also historical homesteads. Wetlands invite exploration. Keep a look out for the rare m\u0101t\u0101t\u0101 or fernbird.
The \u0100whitu Regional Park itself is a blend of grassland exotic conifer trees and wetlands. Historically this land was mostly wetland. It also had coastal p\u014dhutukawa forest. The park is home to several bird species. These include the banded rail spotless crake Australasian bittern and New Zealand fernbird. In fact, the park boasts the largest population of fernbirds in the Manukau Harbour.
This land has a rich history. T\u0101maki M\u0101ori peoples settled here. These included the Waiohua tribes Ng\u0101ti Te Ata Waiohua Ng\u0101ti Tamaoho and Te \u0100kitai Waiohua. Ng\u0101ti Te Ata historically settled in temporary settlements. They moved seasonally depending on available resources.
Later in 1875 English immigrants John and Sarah Brook settled on the \u0100whitu Peninsula. In 1878 they built a homestead for their family. The Brook family ran a sheep and cattle farm. In 1971 the family sold the property. It became a regional park. The park officially opened in 1975.
Looking through the \u0100whitu Regional Park Picture Frame it is a reminder of the blend of history nature and culture that defines this special place. It’s a celebration of Auckland’s beauty. It’s an invitation to connect with the land. Take a moment to frame your own experience here. Capture the beauty. Cherish the memories.
In 1999 the frames were installed. The frames were part of an award-winning campaign. It was created by Saatchi & Saatchi. It was called ‘Put yourself in the picture’. Thousands of visitors have taken snaps and selfies here. They captured Auckland’s natural wonders. This frame is more than just a photo opportunity. It encapsulates the essence of \u0100whitu. It makes us see what truly matters.