Dreaming of a seaside escape? You have arrived at Mission Bay. This bay is a jewel in Auckland’s crown. Mission Bay has a story that stretches back to the 1840s.
It all began with Bishop George Augustus Selwyn. He established the Melanesian Mission here. The mission was also known as St Andrews College. It aimed to give Melanesian boys a Christian education. Reader Wood designed stone buildings for the school. These buildings were built using scoria rock. The rock came from Rangitoto Island.
In 1860, an important event took place here. Governor Thomas Gore Browne organized the Kohimarama Conference. Two hundred rangatira attended. They came from all over New Zealand. The conference aimed to gain Maori support for the government. They wanted to reject the Maori King Movement. Issues were discussed for a month. Maori affirmed the treaty. They reassured the government of their support.
The Anglican Mission moved to Norfolk Island in 1867. St Andrews College remained. It became a naval training school. It was also an industrial school. The school taught work skills to neglected boys.
From 1915, Mission Bay transformed into a hub for aviation. The Walsh Brothers Flying School moved here. They used the bay as a seaplane landing area. This earned Mission Bay the nickname Flying School Bay. They trained many pilots for World War One. The school trained over 1000 pilots before closing in 1924.
In 1928, the mission building became a museum. But it wasn’t suitable for displaying artifacts. In 1974, Heritage New Zealand took over. The former St Andrews College is now a restaurant.
Mission Bay started to change in 1919. The land was subdivided. More subdivisions occurred in 1925. Today, Mission Bay is a bustling suburb.
The Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain is a landmark. It stands in Mission Bay Reserve. Trevor Moss Davis directed Hancock and Company. He died of a heart attack in 1947. His father, Eliot Davis, gifted the fountain. George Tole designed it. Richard Gross created it. It is made of Sicilian marble and bronze sea monsters. The fountain shoots water high into the air. At night, there is a light show. In summer, children paddle in the fountain.
Selwyn Reserve is a popular green space. It sits between Tamaki Drive and Mission Bay Beach. It is named after Bishop George Augustus Selwyn. The reserve hosts events in the summer.
Kepa Bush Reserve is another unique feature. It is home to native bush and birdlife. Glow worms can be seen at night. The reserve honors Te Keepa Te Rangihiwinui. He was a Maori military commander. He allied with government forces.
Today, Mission Bay is a thriving suburb. It has a population of around 4,500. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists. Mission Bay offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. A stunning beach is enjoyed by visitors. Restaurants and shops line the waterfront.