North Titirangi

Did you ever hear how North Titirangi got its name? Rakataura, a tohunga from the Tainui canoe, named it. He saw the hills reaching towards the sky and was reminded of his homeland. North Titirangi is a suburb of West Auckland nestled in the Waitākere Ranges. It’s about 13 kilometers southwest of Auckland’s city center. “Titirangi” can be translated as “hill reaching up to the sky.” Other translations include “long streaks of cloud in the sky” and “fringe of heaven.” Imagine the early days, when kauri logging dominated the Manukau Harbour shoreline. This was the scene in the mid-19th century. By the 1860s, much of North Titirangi and the surrounding area transformed into farmland. The residents relied on the Manukau Harbour for contact with the outside world. Docks connected these settlements to Onehunga’s port. The landscape here is diverse, ranging from Titirangi Beach on the Manukau Harbour to the 400-meter peaks of the Waitākere Ranges. Native bush thrives in the area. It is home to various native birds, geckos, and rare frogs. Consider the impact of World War I. The war drastically reduced the number of farm workers. This allowed native plants to reclaim the land. The construction of Scenic Drive, then called Exhibition Drive, in the 1910s spurred the development of the township. The area also boasts significant artistic connections. Artist Colin McCahon resided in Titirangi during the 1950s. He found inspiration in the local landscape. His former home now serves as an artist residency. The suburb also features a controversial sculpture. This artwork sits at a prominent roundabout. Designed by Lisa Higgins in 1993, the sculpture was initially intended as a temporary installation. However, it has become a permanent fixture.