Ōtāhuhu
Mount Richmond
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.
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 HOURS
Summer: 7am-8.30pm
Winter: 7am-7pm
Times align with daylight-savings.
DOG RULES
Under control ON leash.
No dogs are allowed on the sports fields or playgrounds.
Please make sure to pick up after your dogs and dispose of waste in rubbish bins.
LOCATION
671 Mount Wellington Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland.