Before us lies Manor Park, a suburb with a story that stretches back to the early days of the 20th century. It is a place where community spirit and a love for the land intertwine. Manor Park began as part of the Haywards Estate. In 1925, W.H. George decided to auction off his Manor Park Estate. Much of the land was subdivided. It was sold as sections for a new township.
But why “Manor Park”? Well, part of the land was purchased by the Karori Golf Club. After they moved to this location, they changed their name. They became the Manor Park Golf Club in 1926.
The early days weren’t easy. The land was harsh. It frequently flooded. Club members had to clear gorse, gravel, and boulders to build the first four holes. Imagine them working every Saturday and Sunday after playing. They had to clear stones for at least one hour. By 1936, their hard work paid off. A full 18-hole course was in play.
Manor Park tasted golfing success early. In 1936, the club won the Watt Cup for the first time. The women members were also performing well. They won the Mary Award Cup four times between 1933 and 1940. The club records show that almost half the original 96 members were women.
During the war years of 1940-45, the women members kept the club going. They sent parcels to members overseas. They also raised money for the Patriotic Fund Board. The Manor Park course was popular with members of the NZ Armed Forces. Even some US Marines stationed in the area enjoyed a round here.
In 1931, disaster struck. A flood swept away the Manor Park Bridge. This bridge was privately owned. It connected the suburb to Stokes Valley. The flood also damaged the Manor Park Golf Course. But the community was resilient. They rebuilt and carried on.
Manor Park has continued to evolve. It is home to the Manor Park Golf Club. Besides the golf club, it is a mostly residential area. A small private hospital also calls Manor Park home. Over recent years, new houses have been built at the southern end of the suburb.
In 2010, the Club decided to enhance its natural surroundings. In 2013, it achieved an environmental planning certificate. It is now designated a sanctuary. The ‘Co-operative Golf Sanctuary Programme’ helps manage wildlife habitat. It also focuses on water resource management and waste recycling.
Manor Park had a population of 417 at the 2018 New Zealand census. The median age was 45.8 years. The suburb is served by the Manor Park railway station.
Manor Park stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community. From its humble beginnings as part of an estate to its present-day status as a thriving suburb, Manor Park’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and a deep connection to the land. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet.