From the shimmering waters of Coxs Bay, a story unfolds. A story woven with threads of industry, nature, and community. Coxs Bay, nestled in the Waitematā Harbour, holds a rich history, shaped by both Māori and European influences. Coxs Bay was once a vital resource for local Māori tribes. They harvested flax from the bay’s gully, drying it on the sunny slopes of Herne Bay. The bay’s Māori name, Opoututeka, whispers of its past.
The arrival of Europeans in the 1840s brought new changes. John and Jane Cox, the bay’s namesakes, established a market garden, marking the beginning of European settlement. The area, initially known as Richmond, soon saw streets laid out and houses built. Logs, floated up Coxs Creek, were pit-sawn on site, providing materials for the growing community.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Coxs Bay transform into a hub of industrial activity. The Caledonian Brickworks, established in 1865, shipped its products via Coxs Creek. Later, the Cashmore Brothers sawmill, established in 1899, became a prominent feature, despite local protests due to its noise and pollution. The bay and creek served as vital transport routes for logs and timber. The mill’s fiery demise in 1920 left sawdust and timber smoldering for over a year.
A bridge, connecting Westmere and Herne Bay, has spanned Coxs Creek since at least 1881. It has witnessed the bay’s transformation, being demolished and rebuilt in the 1880s. The Hawke Scout Hall, built in the late 1920s, stands as a testament to the area’s community spirit. It sits on the edge of Coxs Bay, a constant reminder of the area’s rich history.
Today, Coxs Bay faces new challenges. Sadly, swimming and fishing are prohibited due to poor water quality, a consequence of past wastewater spills. However, hope remains. A significant project is underway to improve the water quality, aiming to restore the bay to its former glory by 2030. Across from the bay lies Coxs Bay Reserve, a sprawling park offering sports fields, walking trails, and stunning sunset views. It stands as a testament to the bay’s enduring appeal as a place of recreation and community. Coxs Bay, a place where history whispers on the breeze.