Haven’t formal botanic gardens always been a feature of major cities? Auckland Botanic Gardens were first envisaged in the mid-1920s. But they did not open in Manurewa until 1982.
Welcome to The Gardens. It is a testament to what vision and perseverance can achieve. For many years Auckland lacked formal gardens. This was despite New Zealanders’ love for gardening.
Early proposals included sites like Auckland Domain. Other sites were Churchill Park and land in East Tamaki. None of these plans materialized. Then, in 1968, Auckland City acquired 40 hectares. The land came from the Nathan family. It had been a farm affected by motorway development.
Soil tests confirmed the land was perfect. A plant nursery was established. It took another ten years. The Gardens finally opened in 1982. Another 22.7 hectares were added.
In May 1967, the Auckland Regional Authority purchased 42 hectares of the Nathan Estate. The cost was $200,000. In February 1973, the first sod was turned. Mr. Tom Pearce, ARA Chairman, did the honors.
By 1982, the Auckland Regional Authority purchased another 20.5 hectares. This came from Manukau City Council for $725,000. The council also donated 2.2 hectares. This provided a northern frontage off Orams Road.
The Auckland Regional Botanic Gardens officially opened on February 23, 1982. The Governor General Sir David Beattie was present. In its first year, The Gardens had 98,000 visitors. The original Information Centre opened that same month. It was later renamed the Visitor Centre.
The Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens formed in 1983. They have been a pillar of support ever since. In 1992, the Friends Horticultural Reference Library was built. This was thanks to funds raised by the Friends.
A working party developed a Development Plan in 1997. Proposals were presented to the Parks Committee in February 1998. The Parks Committee adopted the Auckland Botanic Gardens Management Plan in May 2001.
The New Zealand Threatened Native Plants garden won an award in 2004. It received the Award of Excellence. This was from the International Federation of Landscape Architects.
The Potter Children’s Garden opened in March 2005. The new Visitor Centre Huakaiwaka opened in April. The Visitor Centre Huakaiwaka received two awards. One was the Creative Places Award for Best Built Environment. The other was at the NZ Institute of Architects Resene Local Awards. It was for Architecture in the Commercial and Industrial Building category.
In February 2007, The Gardens celebrated its 25th birthday. The Gardens Master Plan was adopted in February 2010. The Potter Children’s Garden received another award. This was the New Zealand Recreation Association Outstanding Park Award.
The Neville Haydon Pavilion was revamped in 2015. It was named to honor Neville Haydon’s contribution to the Camellia Garden. A new overflow carpark was completed in 2018. It increased the number of carparks by 177. Stage 1 of the Pacific Pathway was completed in 2019. It connects visitors with plant collections.
The Gardens won the Healthy Park of the Year award in 2021. It also achieved CarbonZero accreditation.
Today, The Gardens attract one million visits per year. The gardens have a historic flour mill. It dates back to the mid to late 1800s. American military units were stationed here during 1942-44. Concrete floors from their camp buildings remain. A monument marks the 50th anniversary of their stay.
As you leave, remember the words on the plaque near the entrance. “Delight in scientific shade, For knowledge as for pleasure made”.