Once a quarry, now a suburb. Stonefields is a unique blend of history and modern living. Today, we will explore the story etched in these very stones beneath our feet.
Stonefields, located eight kilometers southeast of Auckland’s city center, wasn’t always the residential area you see today. In fact, this whole area was once a massive quarry. It supplied Auckland with the very rock it needed to grow.
Percy Winstone purchased this 100-hectare site in the mid-1930s. This land was a single basalt lava flow from Maungarei or Mt Wellington. Quarrying started in 1936. By 1969, it was producing one million tonnes per year.
Imagine the noise. The constant blasting and grinding echoed across the landscape for decades. By 2000, over 35 million tonnes of rock had been extracted. It was used to build Auckland’s roads and buildings. The quarry was exhausted.
But what next? A landfill was considered. The risk of polluting the groundwater was too great. So, a new plan emerged. Stonefields, a housing development, was born.
The former quarry became one of Auckland’s largest undeveloped land blocks. The plan was ambitious. A $1.5 billion housing subdivision was envisioned. It was designed for about 8,000 people. It included apartments, stand-alone houses, and terraced houses.
In 2002, the Overseas Investment Commission approved Fletcher Residential’s purchase of the land. This approval was needed because Fletcher Building had over 25% foreign ownership.
Stonefields covers just under one square kilometer. It now houses a population of approximately 4,400 residents. This translates to a population density of 4,444 people per square kilometer.
Looking around, you might not realize that you are standing on a site with such a rich industrial past. Stonefields has transformed. It is a vibrant community. But its story is literally written in stone. The suburb has grown significantly since the early 2000s.
In the 2023 census, Stonefields recorded 3,945 residents. This was an increase of 4% since 2018 and over 93% since 2013. The suburb is diverse. Over half the population identify as European. A significant percentage identify as Asian.
Stonefields School provides education for children from years one to eight. The school roll exceeds 700 students.
As you wander through Stonefields, remember its past. This land was once a hive of industrial activity. Now, it is a thriving residential community. Stonefields is a testament to Auckland’s growth. It shows the city’s ability to adapt and transform. This is a place where industry meets community.