Massey West

Can you imagine a suburb named after a Prime Minister? Massey West in Auckland was indeed named after William Massey, New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 1912 to 1925. Massey West is a distinctive part of the larger Massey suburb, nestled in West Auckland. It’s a place of fascinating contrasts, where historical echoes blend with the vibrant pulse of modern life. Originally part of Waitakere City, Massey West became part of Auckland Council in 2010. This area boasts a rich history, stretching back to its days as Lawsonville, a sparsely populated area named after a local settler with an orchard. Imagine the area back then, a windswept landscape dotted with a few cottages, far from the bustling city. The area was also home to Don Buck, a Portuguese immigrant who ran a gum diggers’ camp. Today, Don Buck is remembered through a road, a reserve, and a primary school bearing his name. Massey West also holds a connection to John Henry Colwill, a prominent businessman. Colwill purchased a vast area of land, transforming gum fields into orchards and pastures. His legacy is evident in the names of local landmarks like Colwill Road and Moire Road, named after his daughter. In 2023, Massey West had a population of around 2,814, with a median age of 32.2 years and a median income of $44,900. The area has seen significant residential development, contributing to the changing face of Massey West. The nearby Westgate and NorthWest shopping centers offer a bustling hub of retail and dining experiences, just a short distance from the tranquil streets of Massey West.