Ever heard of Te Wairoa-ō-Kahu? That is the Māori name for the Upper Waitematā Harbour. This “Great River of Kahu” has stories etched into its waters.
Welcome to the Upper Waitematā Harbour. It is more than just an estuary. The Upper Waitematā Harbour is steeped in history and natural beauty.
Picture this: thousands of years ago during the last ice age. The Upper Waitematā Harbour wasn’t an estuary. It was the source of a powerful river. This river carved its way eastward. It shaped what we now know as the Waitematā Harbour. The river flowed into the ocean. This happened to the north of Great Barrier Island. As sea levels rose the Upper Waitematā Harbour flooded. It transformed into the beautiful estuary we see today.
For centuries, the Upper Waitematā Harbour has been a vital waterway. It was especially important for the Tāmaki Māori peoples. The estuary served as a crucial trading route. This was due to Te Tōangaroa. This overland canoe portage linked the Kaipara Harbour to the Waitematā Harbour. People could travel across Rangitōpuni or Pitoitoi. These are Riverhead and Brigham Creek today. The Upper Waitematā Harbour shores bustled with kāinga. These were unfortified villages. The area was rich in diverse seafood.
Fast forward to the 19th century. Settlers purchased land around the Upper Waitematā Harbour from Ngāti Whātua. Thomas Hellyer built the Retreat. It was a kauri mill and brewery. It stood on Oruamo or Hellyers Creek. Riverhead was established in 1844. A kauri mill operated there. Later, it became a flour mill. It became Auckland’s largest flour provider. The Upper Waitematā Harbour and its tributaries became major transport routes. Communities like Albany and Beach Haven relied on them.
The Upper Waitematā Harbour has seen changes. In the 1920s, Winstone Ltd dredged the harbour. This caused Greenhithe’s cliffs to erode. In 1975, the Upper Harbour Bridge opened. This led to Greenhithe’s population boom. A.J. Hackett even used the bridge in 1986. He tested equipment for bungee jumping there.
The Upper Waitematā Harbour has been administered by Waitemata County. Later it was split between Waitakere City, Rodney County, and North Shore authorities. In 2010, the Upper Harbour local government area was established. The Upper Harbour parliamentary electorate followed in 2014.
Today the Upper Waitematā Harbour is a significant ecological area. It has extensive natural connections. They link marine and land environments. The Upper Waitematā Harbour is part of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The key rivers include Rangitopuni River, Totara Creek, and Paremoremo Creek.
So, as you stand here remember the rich history. Think of the ancient river. Envision the bustling Māori villages. Imagine the early settlers. Consider the industry. Feel the spirit of innovation. The Upper Waitematā Harbour connects us to the past. It shapes our present. It flows into the future.