Thinking of golf? Then you’re already halfway to understanding Golflands. This eastern suburb of Auckland has a name that speaks volumes. It’s a place where the love of golf is embedded in its very streets.
Golflands history is intertwined with the Pakuranga Golf Club. This club isn’t just a feature of the suburb. It’s a defining landmark. Many streets here echo the theme. You’ll find names of golf players like Bob Charles Drive.
The Pakuranga Golf Club began in 1969. It started on leased farmland. Five years later, the club purchased the land. They later sold it to the Pakuranga Country Club. The vision was to create an American-style country club right here in Auckland.
Golflands has seen some changes over the years. In 2012, Elim Christian College bought a piece of the golf course. It provided playing fields for their Golflands campus. In 2020, another section of the course was transformed into a retirement home. Even with these developments, the spirit of golf remains.
But Golflands is more than just fairways and greens. It’s a community with a rich history. The suburb sits on land with a deep Māori connection. The area is part of the rohe of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. These people descend from the Tainui waka crew. They arrived here around 1300.
The Tāmaki River’s mouth was once called Te Wai ō Tāiki. It was named after the ancestor Tāiki. He settled along the river’s eastern shores. This was alongside descendants of Huiārangi. They were from the early iwi Te Tini ō Maruiwi. The Pakuranga Creek was traditionally known as Te Whārau.
In the 1820s, the Musket Wars caused upheaval. Most Ngāi Tai members sought refuge in Waikato. When William Thomas Fairburn visited in 1833, the area was largely empty.
Fairburn played a key role in the region’s history. In 1836, he brokered a land sale. This involved Tāmaki Māori chiefs. It covered much of modern-day South and East Auckland. The goal was to end hostilities. However, the Māori understanding of the sale remains unclear. They continued to live here.
In 1847, Howick was established. It was a defensive outpost for Auckland. Fencibles which were retired British Army soldiers and their families settled there. Farming dominated the landscape until the late 20th century.
Today, Golflands is a vibrant suburb. It’s home to around 2,600 people. You will find nature and walkways along the Pakuranga Creek. They offer a peaceful escape.
As you explore Golflands remember its blend of cultures and stories. From its golfing roots to its Māori heritage, this suburb offers a unique glimpse into Auckland’s past and present. So, take a stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and imagine the generations who have shaped this special place.