“Miramar’s sea view” whispered the wind. This wasn’t just any suburb. It was Miramar a place steeped in history and brimming with stories.
Miramar Peninsula was once an island. It was separated from Kilbirnie by a sea channel. Maori named it Te Motu Kairangi meaning esteemed or precious island. A Scotsman Coutts Crawford arrived in 1840. He chose the name Miramar for its Spanish meaning sea view. Crawford drained a large lagoon Burnham Water. Now houses streets and shops fill that area.
In 1904 Miramar Borough formed. In 1921 it joined Wellington City. The Miramar Borough Council records are still accessible through Wellington City Council. Imagine the stories those documents hold. Think of the lives lived and decisions made.
Miramar’s central basin is mostly flat. Hills surround it. To the northwest the boundary with Maupuia follows a ridgeline. Nevay Road and Seatoun Heights Road separate Miramar from Karaka Bays and Seatoun. Calabar Road and Wellington Airport bound Miramar to the west. Broadway and Strathmore Park are to the south.
In 2024 Miramar’s population was approximately 10140. Its density was high 3533 people per square kilometer. This vibrant suburb has always attracted people. The mix of ethnicities is diverse. Europeans Maori Pasifika Asians and others call Miramar home. A significant number of residents were born overseas.
Miramar is more than just numbers and boundaries. It’s a movie star. Before World War II the government established the National Film Unit. Later Sir Peter Jackson acquired it. He and his team built impressive studios. Stone Street Studios Park Road Post Weta Digital and Weta Workshop are in Miramar. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong were filmed here. Guillermo del Toro praised Miramar as Hollywood the way God intended it.
The Roxy Cinema is a shining example of Miramar’s charm. Built in 1929 it was originally the Capitol Theatre. After years of abandonment it was reborn as a two-screen cinema in 2011. Its interior design reflects the 1930s. A large ceiling mural inspired by Metropolis adds to its elegance.
Education in Miramar is strong. Miramar Central School and Miramar North School serve the area. Evans Bay Intermediate welcomes year 7 and 8 students. Holy Cross School is a state-integrated Catholic school. Miramar Christian School moved to Johnsonville in 2025 becoming Wellington Hills Christian College.
Miramar’s rich history extends beyond its impressive modern achievements. It’s a blend of past and present. Maori history is woven into the fabric of the land. The original Maori name for the whole area Te Motu Kairangi reflects its historical importance. Today Miramar’s film industry adds to its international fame. Its legacy is not only seen in its physical features but also in the spirit of its people. This is Miramar. A suburb of history film and community.