Mākara

Did you know that Mākara wasn’t always called Mākara? It was officially gazetted as Mākara in 2019. But before that, this windswept suburb on the western edge of Wellington held a history as rich and rugged as its coastline. Mākara, meaning “white kara” in Māori (referring to a type of greywacke stone found in the Mākara Stream), offers a glimpse into Wellington’s past. The Mākara Stream itself meanders through the valley, a constant reminder of the suburb’s name. During the 19th century, whispers of gold brought prospectors to the hills around Terawhiti Station. Tunnels, remnants of these gold-mining endeavors, still scar the landscape, a testament to dreams of fortune. While no major gold deposits were found, the spirit of resilience persists in Mākara. The two World Wars also left their mark on this quiet community. The Mākara War Memorial, erected in 1921, stands in solemn remembrance of local lives lost in World War I, with a name later added after World War II. Fort Opau’s gun emplacements, silently watching over the Tasman Sea, serve as a stark reminder of the fear of invasion during World War II. Interestingly, during that time, the sand dunes along the foreshore were bulldozed, believed to be potential hiding spots for an invading army. Local community groups are now working to restore this once-vibrant ecosystem. Mākara also played a crucial role in connecting the North and South Islands. The Cook Strait Cable, the world’s largest submarine cable at the time, came ashore at Oteranga Bay in 1965, marking a significant milestone in New Zealand’s communication history. Less known is Mākara’s contribution to broadcasting. In 1944, a radio receiving station was established at Quartz Hill to capture overseas shortwave broadcasts for re-transmission by the New Zealand Broadcasting Service. This spot, close to the NZ Post Office Makara Radio receiving station, buzzed with international voices until 2007 when a local amateur radio club’s lease ended. They had used the site, with its multiple antennas, to connect with operators worldwide, under the callsign ZL6QH. Even today, Mākara continues to embrace innovation. The West Wind wind farm, completed in 2009, stands tall along Terawhiti Ridge. Its 62 turbines, each 111 meters high, generate clean energy while covering a vast 56 square-kilometer area. Mākara is more than just a suburb; it’s a microcosm of Wellington’s history, resilience, and innovation. From gold mining dreams to war-time anxieties and broadcasting breakthroughs, Mākara holds stories whispered on the wind, waiting to be discovered. As you stand here, imagine the echoes of the past mingling with the hum of the wind turbines, a harmonious blend of history and progress.