Why is this tapering piece of land called Opou Point? Opou Point is more than just a geographical location. It is a place with a story etched into its very soil.
Opou Point is a point. It is a tapering piece of land projecting into a body of water. But it is less prominent than a cape. This unassuming point holds a fascinating history.
Let’s delve into the story of Opou Point. We will uncover its connection to the founding of Auckland. Auckland was originally a Māori settlement. It was known as Tāmaki Makau Rau or Tāmaki Makaurau.
In 1841, Governor William Hobson established Auckland as the nation’s capital. This was on land offered by Ngāti Whātua. This followed the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Hobson tasked Deputy Governor Symonds with securing land for the Government settlement. Negotiations took place with Ngāti Whātua. They purchased approximately 3,000 acres of land. This was to become Auckland. The Deed of Purchase referred to it as Mataharehare, Opou, and Whau.
According to a report at the time. “The three thousand acres more or less was part of a desolate and deserted landscape”. It provided few resources to assist the development of a town.
Hobson renamed the place Auckland. He named it after his patron. His patron was Lord Auckland. Lord Auckland was the first Lord of the Admiralty. Auckland remained the seat of government until February 1865. Then the capital shifted to Wellington.
The initial purchase by the Crown happened in May 1841. There was a sale of the Kohimarama Block. It consisted of about 6,000 acres. Twenty-four Hauraki chiefs, predominantly Ngati Paoa, sold the land. This block was situated on the West bank of the Tamaki River. It took in most of what are regarded today as Auckland’s eastern suburbs.
An even bigger sale followed on 29 June 1841. Five Ngati Whātua chiefs, headed by Te Kawau, sold a block of about 8,000 acres. It was known as the ‘Waitematā to Manukau Purchase’. The eastern boundary line ran from Orakei. It ran through to the summit of Maungakiekie. Maungakiekie is also known as One Tree Hill. Further smaller blocks of land were sold by Ngati Whātua. This happened between 1842 and 1856.
In 1842-43 a substantial block of land was granted by Ngati Whātua. It was granted to the people of Waikato lineage. These were Ngati Tamaoho, and Ngati Te Ata. This land was later sold by these tribes. It was sold to private European buyers.
Opou Point itself is located at these coordinates. South 36° 56′ 17.52″. East 174° 39′ 36.68″. It has an elevation of 0 meters.
As you stand here at Opou Point. Remember that you’re standing on a place with deep historical roots. It played a role in the foundation of Auckland. Its name is linked to the original land purchase from Ngāti Whātua. It is a place where the past whispers to the present.