Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AUCKLAND
History
Maori occupation in the Auckland area dates back around 800 years. Initial settlements
were concentrated on the Hauraki Gulf islands, but gradually the fertile isthmus beckoned
and land was cleared for growing food.
Over hundreds of years Tamaki's many different tribes wrestled for control of the area,
building
pa
(fortified villages) on the numerous volcanic cones. The Ngati Whatua
iwi
(tribe) from the Kaipara Harbour took the upper hand in 1741, occupying the major
pa
sites. During the Musket Wars of the 1820s they were decimated by the northern tribe
Ngapuhi, leaving the land all but abandoned.
At the time the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, Governor Hobson had his base in
the Bay of Islands. When Ngati Whatua chief Te Kawau offered 3000 acres of land for sale
on the northern edge of the Waitemata Harbour, Hobson decided to create a new capital,
naming it after one of his patrons, George Eden (Earl of Auckland).
Beginning with just a few tents on a beach, the settlement grew quickly, and soon the
port was busy exporting the region's produce, including kauri timber. However, it lost its
capital status to centrally located Wellington after just 25 years.
Since the beginning of the 20th century Auckland has been NZ's fastest-growing city
and its main industrial centre. Political deals may be done in Wellington, but Auckland is
the big smoke in the land of the long white cloud.
In 2010 the municipalities and urban districts that made up the Auckland Region were
merged into one 'super city', and in 2011 the newly minted metropolis was given a buff
and shine to prepare it for hosting the Rugby World Cup. The waterfront was redeveloped,
the art gallery and zoo were given a makeover, and a swag of new restaurants and bars
popped up - leaving a more vibrant city in the cup's wake.
