Rakino Island’s West Bay. Can you picture it? It is a serene curve of coastline. It nestles in the Hauraki Gulf. Motutapu Island rests just beyond.
West Bay is more than just a pretty picture. It is a place steeped in Auckland’s regional history. It is part of the Auckland City District. It is within the Auckland Region.
West Auckland is not strictly defined. It includes the former Waitakere City. This area existed between 1989 and 2010. It sat between the Whau River and Hobsonville. Major suburbs include Henderson and New Lynn. West Auckland typically includes Avondale. It also includes Blockhouse Bay.
The Whau River marked the border. It was between the former Waitakere and Auckland cities. This border was first established in 1876. It was between Eden County and Waitemata County. This border was a rohe marker. It separated Te Kawerau ā Maki and Tāmaki isthmus iwi. Avondale and Blockhouse Bay are east of the Whau River. They are on the Auckland isthmus. They are included in the definition due to their historical ties.
The traditional Tāmaki Māori names for the area include Hikurangi. They also include Waitākere, Whakatū and Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa. Hikurangi referred to the central Waitākere Ranges. It was south of the Waitākere River.
The name Wai-tākere means cascading water. It originated as a name for a rock. The rock was at Te Henga / Bethells Beach. It was at the former mouth of the Waitākere River. The name refers to the water striking the rock. Waves came into shore. The name became popular in the early 18th century. This was during Te Raupatu Tihore. A Te Kawerau ā Maki chief’s body was laid on this rock.
Whakatū is the traditional name for the Tasman Sea. It refers to the beaches south of Te Henga / Bethells Beach. It is a shortening of the name Nga Tai Whakatū a Kupe. This means “The Upraised Seas of Kupe.” It refers to Kupe’s visit to the west coast. He tried to evade pursuers. He chanted a karakia to make the west coast seas rough.
Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa references Tiriwa. He was a chief of the supernatural Tūrehu people. The name refers to the forested areas of the Waitākere Ranges. It stretches south from Muriwai to the Manukau Harbour.
West Auckland became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Before this, Western Auckland referred to western portions of the old Auckland City. Ponsonby and Kingsland were included. The name Auckland was given in 1840. William Hobson named it after George Eden. He was the 1st Earl of Auckland.
The area was settled early in Māori history. People arrived on Māori migration canoes. These included the Moekākara and Tainui. Māori settlement of the Auckland region began at least 800 years ago. Some of the first tribal identities to develop were Tini o Maruiwi and Ngā Oho.
One of the earliest individuals associated with the area is Tiriwa. He was a chief of the supernatural Tūrehu people. He is involved in the story of Rangitoto Island’s creation.
Kupe visited the west coast. The Tasman Sea was named after him. Stories tell of his visit to Paratutae Island. He left paddle marks in the cliffs. The Tainui tohunga Rakatāura visited the region. He named many locations along the west coast.
So, as you gaze upon West Bay. Remember its layered past. The stories of the land. The echoes of its people. This is a place where history whispers on the breeze.