Ōtāhuhu

PĀ

The name Ōtāhuhu is a reference to Te Tahuhutanga o Te Waka Tainui, which translates as the ridgepole of the Tainui waka / canoe. The name recalls the portage of the Tainui waka from the Waitematā Harbour to the Manukau Harbour just to the south of the Maunga in the 14th century. 

This vital waka portage meant that Ōtāhuhu Maunga was of strategic importance to Māori at the time.  

Like most Maunga in the region, Ōtāhuhu was the site of a pā and the slopes of the scoria cones were extensively modified with terracing for living and defence, and pits were added for the growing and storing of food crops. Some of these pits can be clearly seen today. 

GEOLOGY

Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond erupted around 30,000 years ago, creating several small scoria cones sitting in the middle of an 800 meter diameter explosion crater. There are also two small circular craters in the middle of the Maunga which are 50 meters wide.

The sites of four scoria pits can be found within the Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond Maunga. The moat between the scoria rings became a swamp which over years filled with peat and is now the site of sports fields. 

Much of the scoria cones have been quarried, and much of the northern part of the tuff ring has been flattened for industrial subdivisions. 

RECENT HISTORY

An elaborate tall water was erected on the tihi (summit) in 1912, tapping the natural water supply in a shallow well in the scoria of the crater.  This water source was abandoned in 1953 and the tower was torn down in 1961. 

Today Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond is well known for it's recreation amenity and sports fields. The main playing fields are the home of the Ōtāhuhu Rovers Rugby League Football Club. 

SPORTS FIELD UPGRADE

The Tūpuna Maunga Authority will be undertaking work at Ōtāhuhu / Mt Richmond to convert the old bowling green into a practice sports field. This will be suitable for a variety of sporting codes including rugby league and kī-o-rahi. It will be available for public use and can be reserved through Auckland Council’s booking system.

The Authority’s Integrated Management Plan (IMP) aims to provide for recreational activities that are appropriate on the Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountains) and appeal to a diverse population.

The works to upgrade the field will cater for a wider range of sports activities and improve the overall manuhiri (visitor) experience.

Construction work and dates

This involves upgrading and expanding the existing sports field to an irrigated, full sand carpet field, including earthworks, improved drainage, tree trimming and removal.

Works will commence early November 2024 and will take approximately 3 -4 months to complete. Construction will take place Monday to Friday (and Saturday mornings, where required) during standard work hours to minimise disruption to neighbours. Please note timelines may be affected by weather and or supply issues. 

Visitor access

Pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the upgrade works. Some areas near the sports field and sports field carpark may be closed to vehicles to enable truck and contractor movement. The health and safety of visitors is important, so please follow the instructions of onsite construction staff and the temporary signage in place. 

NEW TRACK UPGRADES ACROSS THE MAUNGA

New track improvements across the Maunga will be starting approximately mid-February. These improvements include:

• Building new boxed steps along track sections near the tihi (summit).
• Installing new (2m) wide concrete steps from Mount Wellington Highway to access the sports field.
• Installing a new low boardwalk structure to protect archaeological features near the tihi
• Reshaping and resurfacing of existing tracks
• Repairs in places to existing asphalt surfacing
• Decommissioning desire lines to protect archaeological features.
• Minor lift pruning, involving light crown reduction of the lowest branch tips where they obstruct tracks.

Additionally, the work includes the removal of 5 pest plant trees including Olives, Hawthorne and a Monterey Cypress which is in a deteriorating condition. Some native planting will be added in key areas to enhance the natural landscape ensuring an enriched experience for all manuhiri (visitors).

Construction dates

Work will take approximately 14 -16 weeks to complete and construction will be Monday to Friday (and Saturday morning, where required) during work hours to limit disturbance to neighbours. Please note there could be delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Visitor access

Pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the upgrade works. The entrances at Great South Road and Mount Wellington Highway will remain open, however areas near the sports field carpark will be closed off to enable truck and contractor movement and material laydown. During the works some entrances and sections of track will be closed at various stages of the project. Alternative access and track routes will be clearly marked and signposted. 

Health and Safety

The health the safety of the Maunga, our manuhiri and residents are a priority. Please follow the instructions of onsite staff and the temporary signage in place. Our construction team are working hard to create a better, safer experience for all, please be kind.

Main entrance gate opening times:

Summer: 7am-8.30pm
Winter: 7am-7pm

Times align with daylight-savings.

LOCATION

671 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland.