Onehunga

Onehunga is a suburb of Auckland in New Zealand and the location of the Port of Onehunga, the city's small port on the Manukau Harbour. It is south of the city centre, close to the volcanic cone of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill. Onehunga is a residential and light-industrial suburb. There are almost 1,000 commercial and industrial businesses in the area. Onehunga stretches south from Royal Oak to the northern shore of the Manukau Harbour. To the east are the areas of Oranga and Te Papapa; to the west, Hillsborough. On the southern shore of the Manukau Harbour, and linked to Onehunga by two bridges, is the suburb of Māngere Bridge.

Onehunga is a suburb of Auckland in New Zealand and the location of the Port of Onehunga, the city's small port on the Manukau Harbour. It is south of the city centre, close to the volcanic cone of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill. Onehunga is a residential and light-industrial suburb. There are almost 1,000 commercial and industrial businesses in the area. Onehunga stretches south from Royal Oak to the northern shore of the Manukau Harbour. To the east are the areas of Oranga and Te Papapa; to the west, Hillsborough. On the southern shore of the Manukau Harbour, and linked to Onehunga by two bridges, is the suburb of Māngere Bridge.

History

Etymology

The name Onehunga is from the Māori language and means a "beach composed of mixed sand and mud" or "alluvial soil", according to Williams's Dictionary of the Maori Language. Claims have been made for other names and meanings. Ethnographer George Graham was told by one Māori informant that the name was Ōnehunga, with the etymology of ō (the place of) nehunga (burial), but Graham said that was later contradicted. He said that the name was actually Oneunga (Oneūnga in modern orthography), meaning one (beach or sand) ūnga (landing), in reference to canoes being drawn up there. He also said that Onehunga meant "friable" or "pulverous soil" and that this was "a very correct name". The New Zealand Geographic Board approved Onehunga as the official name in 2019.

Merging with Auckland

While in 1891 Onehunga was one of the "25 most populous urban areas/towns of New Zealand", with about 5,000 inhabitants¹, by the First World War it had ceased to be a port of importance. It gained a new role as a shopping and service centre as it was engulfed by the suburban development of Auckland, and was amalgamated with Auckland City in 1989. Although the area was a predominantly working-class suburb for much of the 20th century, it has undergone some gentrification since the 1990s. In recent times, many of the bungalows of the 1920s (along with the earlier villas) have undergone restoration. Secondary schools located nearby are Onehunga High School, One Tree Hill College and Marcellin College. Some boys also attend St Peter's College.

Demographics

Onehunga comprises four statistical areas. Onehunga West, North and Central are primarily residential/commercial. Onehunga-Te Papapa Industrial is primarily industrial.

Residential area

The residential/commercial area of Onehunga covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km 2 . Onehunga residential areas had a population of 10,077 in the 2023 New Zealand census, a decrease of 369 people¹ (−3.5%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 273 people (2.8%) since the 2013 census. There were 4,872 males, 5,157 females and 45 people of other genders in 3,870 dwellings. 4.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. There were 1,716 people (17.0%) aged under 15 years, 1,896 (18.8%) aged 15 to 29, 5,250 (52.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 1,212 (12.0%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The reported results were 56.2% European (Pākehā); 11.3% Māori; 17.5% Pasifika; 26.9% Asian; 3.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 1.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 93.3%, Māori language by 2.1%, Samoan by 3.7%, and other languages by 25.9%. No language could be spoken by 2.6% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.4%. The percentage of people born overseas was 38.6, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 37.1% Christian, 3.8% Hindu, 1.8% Islam, 0.6% Māori religious beliefs, 1.4% Buddhist, 0.4% New Age, 0.1% Jewish, and 1.9% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 47.5%, and 5.3% of people did not answer the census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 3,225 (38.6%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 3,228 (38.6%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 1,893 (22.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. 1,518 people (18.2%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 4,944 (59.1%) people were employed full-time, 927 (11.1%) were part-time, and 219 (2.6%) were unemployed.

Industrial area

Onehunga-Te Papapa Industrial covers and had an estimated population of as of with a population density of people per km 2 . Onehunga-Te Papapa Industrial had a population of 1,134 in the 2023 New Zealand census, an increase of 264 people¹ (30.3%) since the 2018 census, and an increase of 294 people (35.0%) since the 2013 census. There were 570 males, 558 females and 9 people of other genders in 537 dwellings. 4.8% of people identified as LGBTIQ+. The median age was 34.8 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 198 people (17.5%) aged under 15 years, 225 (19.8%) aged 15 to 29, 570 (50.3%) aged 30 to 64, and 141 (12.4%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 50.3% European (Pākehā); 17.2% Māori; 23.3% Pasifika; 23.8% Asian; 3.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 92.1%, Māori language by 1.6%, Samoan by 6.3%, and other languages by 23.3%. No language could be spoken by 2.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.3%. The percentage of people born overseas was 38.1, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 40.5% Christian, 3.4% Hindu, 2.4% Islam, 0.8% Māori religious beliefs, 1.6% Buddhist, 0.5% New Age, 0.5% Jewish, and 1.6% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 43.4%, and 5.8% of people did not answer the census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 345 (36.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 363 (38.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 219 (23.4%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $54,300, compared with $41,500 nationally. 135 people (14.4%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 588 (62.8%) people were employed full-time, 66 (7.1%) were part-time, and 24 (2.6%) were unemployed.

Notable buildings

The Onehunga Post Office was built in 1901–2, in an Edwardian Baroque post office style, during a boom in post office construction throughout New Zealand in the early 20th century. Designed by Government Architect John Campbell, it is one of the earliest examples of the work of this prolific architect. Construction was completed on 3 February 1902, opening officially on 14 February 1902 and attended by a number of members of Parliament including Sir Joseph Ward. The building hosted essential public services such as mail, banking, and telegraph facilities. The former Post Office is located on the corner of Princes Street & Onehunga Mall Road (formerly Queen Street). By the 1990s the building was in disrepair and was to be demolished. Community consultation led to the building being refurbished in 1994–5. The building has since hosted multiple hospitality businesses. The Onehunga Post Office is the oldest surviving building in Onehunga's business district and was appointed a Heritage Place Category 2 in July 1993. File:Onehunga Post Office Opening.jpg|The opening of the new Onehunga Post Office, 1902 File:Stately Older Post Office Onehunga Mall.jpg|Former Onehunga Post Office, 2011 St Peter's Church is an Anglican church located on the corner of Onehunga Mall Road and Church Street. The Selwyn church built in 1848 has been relocated. The existing building dates from the 1980s and incorporates a gothic revival tower from the 1930s. The churchyard hosts the graves of many of Onehunga's early settlers including first woman Mayor of the British Empire, Elizabeth Yates and some of the bodies from the Wreck of the HMS Orpheus. File:St Peter's Church, Onehunga, 1080503 (cropped).jpg|St Peter's Church, 1890s File:St Peter's Anglican Church, Onehunga 20240630 115846 01.jpg|St Peter's Church, 2024 Located on Princes Street, the Carnegie Free Library was built in 1911-12 and funded by American industrialist, Andrew Carnegie who supported the construction of free libraries throughout the world. It was one of eighteen in New Zealand built with his financial support. The building was designed by local Architect, John Park, who later served as Mayor of Onehunga. The classical Edwardian style building opened on 11 September 1912 and operated as a library for close to 60 years. In 1957, the name of the building was changed, with the word 'Free' being removed, it became known as the Onehunga Public Library. By 1967 the library moved to Church Street and the building was vacated. The building faced threats of demolition, with opposition from the local community. It was then purchased in 1988 and used as a community space until it was sold privately in 1998. Since then it has housed multiple restaurants and bars. In 1987 it was appointed a Historic Place Category 1 listing. File:Carnegie Library, Onehunga 1912.jpg|Carnegie Library, Onehunga 1912 File:NZ AK Carnegie Free Library (2).jpg|Carnegie Library building, 2023 Our Lady of the Assumption Church, located at the corner of Church & Galway Streets is a Roman Catholic church built between 1887 and 1889. It was designed by architect Thomas Mahoney in Gothic Revival style and built by local bricklayer William Kemp. Next to the church building is a denominational cemetery which contains the graves of many of Onehunga's early settlers. In 1983 it was appointed a Historic Place Category 2 listing. File:Interior of the Church of the Assumption, Auckland 1896 (cropped).jpg|Interior of Our Lady of the Assumption in Onehunga, 1896 File:Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (Catholic).jpg|Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, 2020 The Landing is located at 2 Onehunga Harbour Road. It was built in 1865 by George Hodge, to accommodate passengers arriving to the Onehunga Wharf. It was known as the Manukau Hotel and was owned by Captain Henry Hardington from 1874. In June 1879, the hotel burnt down. A new hotel designed by architect James Wrigley, opened in December 1879 on the same site. The building has seen significant alteration since its construction, both in 1892 by J. Huntley Allen and by Charles Arnold in 1906. It has been in continuous use as a hotel and public house since its reconstruction in 1879. It now operates as a restaurant and is widely recognised as a historical and social landmark of the area. File:Manukau Hotel, Onehunga.jpg|Manukau Hotel Onehunga, 1900s The Arch of Remembrance, is located in Jellicoe Park on Quadrant Road & Grey Street. The park was opened in 1923 by the Governor General, Lord Jellicoe, and is the site of Onehunga's Public Swimming Pools which opened in 1956. The Arch of Remembrance was officially unveiled on 20 October 1929 as a memorial for WWI and WWII. It is made from locally sourced scoria and its initial construction was overseen by John Park. Since its inception it has served as a commemorative site for the local community. File:Arch of Remembrance, Onehunga.jpg|The Arch of Remembrance at the entrance to Jellicoe Park in Onehunga. Onehunga Blockhouse is a brick building relocated from Princes St, built in 1860 as a defense strong post during the New Zealand Wars, it is currently owned by the Onehunga Fencible and Historical Society. File:Sketches near Onehunga, 1892 (cropped).jpg|Sketch of Onehunga Blockhouse, 1892 File:Onehunga Blockhouse Front 2024.jpg|Front of the Onehunga Blockhouse, 2024 Journeys End is a replica of a 1850 wooden Fencible cottage, opened in 1959 and moved to its current site in 1969. File:Journeys End.jpg|Journey's End, 2024 Laishley House was built in 1859–60 as a manse for the congregational church, at 44 Princes Street and later relocated to Jellicoe Park in 1985. Rev. Richard Laishley, was the first minister of the church, whom the house is named after. File:Laishley House.jpg| Laishley House, 2024 Located on Onehunga Harbour Road, the now, Aotea Sea Scout Den, was built in 1911 by John Park for the Manukau Yacht and Motor Boat Club. The building was taken over by the Aotea Sea Scouts in 1977. It is noted to be one of the oldest remaining yacht clubs in New Zealand. File:Aotea Sea Scouts' Ship.png|Aotea Sea Scouts Den, 2016 The former Onehunga Primary School was opened on 20 November 1901. The building was constructed by G M Hancock and designed by architects to the Auckland Education Board, John Mitchell and Robert Watt. Made from native kauri, in a Queen Anne Revival style, the building served as a school for 80 years and from 1981 used as a community space. It is listed as a Historic Place Category 1. File:Photos 173805 extralarge.jpg|The opening of the new school in Onehunga, November 20, 1901 File:NZ AK Onehunga Primary School (2).jpg|Onehunga Primary School (Former), 2023 File:Onehunga Primary School, Standard 6, 1919 , 1033159 (cropped).jpg|Onehunga Primary School Students, 1919 The former Onehunga Railway Station building, is now relocated to 38 Alfred Street serves as headquarters of the Railway Enthusiasts Society Inc. It was built in 1873. As one of the first train stations to be built under the Vogel Railway Acts of 1870s New Zealand. File:Onehunga Train Station 19th Century.jpg|The train station at Onehunga, sometime in the second half of the 19th Century.

Commerce

Dress Smart Auckland opened in Onehunga in 1995, and expanded in 2005. It now covers an area of 13,217 m¹ 2 , with up to 101 tenancies and 735 carparks.

Education

The first school in Onehunga was an Anglican school established in 1847¹. Further church and private schools were established over the years. In 1873 the first public school—the Onehunga District School— opened in Onehunga and by 1876 this had moved to Selwyn Street. Following the growth of both Onehunga and education in New Zealand the school expanded and in 1899 added an infant block. The Auckland Education Board decided to construct a senior block on the most northern part of the site. The new school building opened on 20 November 1901 and taught up to standard seven. In July 1903 the Onehunga District High School was opened. This became the largest high school in Auckland Province with some students travelling from as far as Point Chevalier and Pukekohe. The school had reached maximum capacity by August 1904. In 1912 the district high school was closed down and the school reverted to an up to standard seven district school. In 1982 the primary school moved out of the historic schoolhouse and onto a new site. Onehunga High School is a secondary school (years 9–13) with a roll of students. Onehunga Primary School is a contributing primary school (years 1–6) with a roll of students. St Joseph's Catholic School is a state-integrated full primary school (years 1–8) with a roll of students. Golden Grove School is a private Montessori full primary school (years 1–8) with a roll of students. All these schools are coeducational. Rolls are as of

Notable people

Annie Christina Morrison, first headmistress of Epsom Girls' Grammar School. Bruce Cathie (1930-2013), National Airways Corporation pilot and ufologist Margaret Beveridge Stevenson (1865–1941), a New Zealand Baháʼí

References

The Lively Capital, Auckland 1840–1865. Una Platts. Avon Fine Prints Limited New Zealand 1971. Onehunga Art & Heritage Walks, Onehunga Mainstreet Programme 2003.

External links

Photographs of Onehunga held in Auckland Libraries' heritage collections.

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1378743393 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.