Curious about how Westfield, an industrial suburb of Auckland, transformed over time? Once, this area was crucial for Māori. They transported their waka here. Waka are canoes. They dragged them overland. This connected the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea. This avoided paddling around North Cape.
Westfield’s strategic importance existed before Europeans arrived. It continued during early European settlement. Imagine the scene. Māori warriors hauling their canoes. Early settlers establishing their industries.
Westfield Freezing Works operated here. It was part of a large industrial zone. This zone was near the North Island Main Trunk railway. The freezing works closed in the 1980s and 1990s. This freed up land. The land was redeveloped into office parks.
Kempthorne Prosser Limited’s Westfield Chemical Fertiliser Works was also here. It operated from 1887 to 1966. These works were demolished in the 1970s. The landscape changed dramatically. Industries vanished. Modern developments arose.
For many years, abattoirs discharged waste into Manukau Harbour. This harmed the harbor’s ecology. In the early 20th century, the harbor was attractive. People swam, sailed, fished and gathered shellfish. By mid-century, it was a health hazard. Shellfish likely caused food poisoning. The water quality has greatly improved since the freezing works closed.
A large railway marshalling yard sits beside Manukau Harbour. Portage Road holds historical significance. It is the location of Te Tō Waka. Te Tō Waka was one of the overland routes between the two harbors.
During World War II, a canal was planned. It would connect the two harbors. It was never built. However, a canal reserve remains. It lies between the Tamaki River and Manukau Harbour. It is midway between Westfield and Otahuhu railway stations.
In March 2017, Westfield Railway Station permanently closed. It had low passenger numbers. Auckland Transport said upgrading it would be too expensive. The station’s closure marked another change. It was a step away from its industrial past. Westfield is now a blend of history and progress. It is a testament to Auckland’s ever-evolving landscape.