PĀ
The name Māngere references Ngā Hau Māngere, or 'the idle breezes'. The name Te Pane o Mataoho translates as 'the head of Mataoho', the Māori deity who is the guardian of secrets hidden in the earth. The name Te Ara Pueru refers to a historic event that occurred on the Maunga prior to European arrival.
This Maunga, like so many across the region, was an important defensive pā. The high slopes along the south and northwest sides were heavily terraced, and these terraces can be clearly seen today.
The eastern rim of the smaller crater was a main kai (food) store for the pā, and the rows of rectangular storage pits still exist to this day.
RECENT HISTORY
Though this Maunga is one of the few in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland to maintain a mostly original form, it did not completely escape quarrying. Between 1900 and the mid-1960s six separate scoria pits were quarried around the lower norther and eastern slopes.
The largest north-eastern ridge, from which the name Te Ara Pueru originated, was completely quarried away, and is now the site of bowling and tennis clubs.
Today Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain is enjoyed as a place for reflection and recreation. Two sports fields and a play space close to the main entrance off Domain Road are enjoyed by the local community.
GEOLOGY
Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain is the largest and best preserved of the volcanic features in the southern part of Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.
The eruption of this Maunga has been dated to around 50,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest volcanoes in the region. Fire fountaining from the large main crater produced a scoria cone standing 105 metres tall. A second smaller crater sits on the northern rim of the larger crater. A third U-shaped breached crater was removed by quarrying in the 1950s - 60s.
One feature unique to Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain is the 12-meter tall conical mound in the centre of the main crater. This is actually a near-solid basalt rock plug, known as a tholoid, expelled from the crater vent during the eruption.
Large volumes of lava flowed from the around the base of the volcano during the eruption, spanning out approximately 500 hectares.
WHĀNAU ĀTEA
In June 2022 construction of a new whānau ātea (community gathering space) began and is almost complete.
The whānau ātea is a destination recreation space for Māngere and the wider region, where whānau can gather, connect, explore, learn and play together, in harmony with the natural surrounds and unique history of the Maunga. The redevelopment focused on creating opportunities for tākaro taiao (nature play).
The new design includes:
- tomokanga (gateway/formal entrance)
- renewed skatepark and basketball court
- natural play spaces
- kapehu whetū (Māori star compass) / Kī o rahi field
- hāngī pit and picnic tables
- wharepaku block
- disability parking spaces, and more.
MĀNGERE MOUNTAIN EDUCATION CENTRE
Māngere Mountain Education Centre is a multi-faceted centre for people of all ages - a living museum with first-hand access to Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere Mountain and its rich history of Māori settlement over the centuries.
From the centre on Coronation Road, Māngere Bridge, visitors can take guided walks hosted by Mana Whenua, and visit traditional and medicinal gardens.
MĀNGERE Memorial hall upgrades
The Authority will be carrying out a refurbishment and upgrades at the Māngere War Memorial Hall. This cherished heritage building is a hub for the local community and is used frequently to host a variety of events. This planned maintenance is essential to ensure the building remains a safe and welcoming space for local communities and visitors, ensuring an enriched experience for everyone.
· Repairs and maintenance to roof structures
· Repairs to internal and external walls
· Maintenance and replacement of windows and frames
· Internal and external painting
· Repairs to the kitchen area and wharepaku (toilets)
Maintenance work dates
Work began mid-March 2025 and will take approximately 5 – 6 months to complete. Work will take place Monday to Friday (and Saturday morning, where required) during work hours to limit disturbance to neighbours. Please note there could be some delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Visitor access
Pedestrian, cycle, and vehicle access will be maintained throughout the upgrade works.
Health and Safety
The health and 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 team are working hard to create a better, safer experience for all, please be kind.
TIHI (SUMMIT) ROAD GATE OPENING HOURS
Summer: 7 am – 8.30 pm
Winter: 7 am – 7 pm.
Times align to Daylight Savings.
DOG RULES
Under control ON leash.
No dogs on sports fields or playgrounds.
Please make sure to pick up after your dogs and dispose of waste in rubbish bins.
LOCATION
15 Domain Road, Māngere Bridge, Auckland