Known as Lawsonville once, Massey has a rich history. Named in honour of Prime Minister William Massey around 1915, Massey is more than just a suburb. It’s a place with stories etched into its very landscape.
Before Massey became Massey, it was Lawsonville. A name derived from John Lawson. He was a settler with an orchard by the creek. That creek still bears his name today. Elizabeth Freeman described Lawsonville in 1898. It was a windswept area with poor ground. Gum diggers built simple shelters along Lawson’s Creek.
Let’s jump back further. The area where Massey now sits was part of the traditional rohe of Te Kawerau ā Maki. Pukewhakataratara, or Redhill as European settlers called it, stood as a natural obstacle. Its name translates to hill that poses a challenge. It was a key landmark in the upper Waitākere Ranges. This hill reminded everyone of Maki, the ancestor of Te Kawerau ā Maki.
The Crown purchased this land for European settlers in 1853. The Nicolas family were the first recorded settlers. They received a government land grant in 1882. From the 1890s to the early 1910s, southwest Massey was known for Don Buck’s camp. Don Buck was a Portuguese immigrant named Francisco Rodrigues Figueira. He employed ex-convicts in the gum digging trade. Locals saw Don Buck as a colourful character.
Massey started growing in the 1960s. The Poultrymen’s Association opened a branch here. Also in the early 1900s John Henry Colwill bought around 1500 acres. He established Lincoln Park Orchards. Colwill offered a home delivery service. People could sample fresh fruit at his city office too. Lincoln Road and Lincoln Heights School remind us of this history. Colwill’s daughter Moire gave her name to Moire Road.
Massey has several parks. These include Massey Domain and Lincoln Park. Massey is divided into three main areas. These are Massey West, Massey East, and Massey North. Massey East includes Royal Heights. The suburb features the Massey YMCA Leisure Centre and Library.
The local rugby club has won the championship six times. Jonah Lomu even signed to play for Massey in 2005. Sadly, injury prevented him from playing that season. He finally debuted for the club in 2006. Massey is also home to rugby players George and Tusi Pisi.
Today, Massey is a vibrant suburb with a diverse population. In 2023, the population was 19,851. Massey continues to grow. New developments and infrastructure improvements are underway. From scrubland to a thriving community, Massey has transformed. Its story reflects the history of Auckland itself.