At one time in Auckland History, a Township naming Mangere Bridge, located in the Manukau Harbour, Used to be a major suburban hub that interconnects between Mangere Bridge to the Onehunga, in which that township was busy in up to the mid 1980’s as the final construction of the new constructed Managere Bridge that became operational in 1983…. In which took ten years to build, to replace the previous one in which still stands today….as a recreational park, part of the Community, in where people now days used it to walk to work, school.. Recreationally fish from the Harbour, with as part of Auckland’s bicycle peddling network also is a resting spot for resting..
Before 1983, the old Mangere Bridge constructed in 1914, it was widely used to the point where bridge up to moment in 1980’s it was beyond saturation point more than Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong’s old Kai Tak International Airport in Kowloon Bay inter… as the its replacement was still finalised in construction after a ten year stall after stall in construction due to labour disputes.. Back then driving on the old bridge in which Coronation road that lead up into the Mangere Bridge Township was intense intensified as the new bridge waits… With one of the known traffic also it was one of the known roadways that link up travelling in from Auckland CBD towards Onehunga towards Mangere Bridge Township towards the Jean Batten international Airport- Auckland international Airport…
The old Mangere Bridge in which still stands today in which constructed during wartime 1914 in World War one and two, was design to be a wartime bridge the way how it was layout and design was to have elements of being Anti-Tank block, with some sentry towers… as a procedure the harbour also the bridge was mined for just in case.. Interesting enough the bridge itself was designed lowered as to counter any larger wartime or patrol boats from entry the mouth of the harbour…
During those times when the old Mangere Bridge was active, traffic thoroughfare through the Mangere Bridge Township was a lot more intensified than as now today… as now days the traffic is no longer through the main street of the village as it’s completely diverted through Auckland’s South-western Motorway –SH20.. As the large component of traffic is diverted the township has recently enjoyed its now provincial humbling as its thriving growing local community…..
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Onehunga Wharf is located in 55 Onehunga Harbour Road, Onehunga, and Auckland, New Zealand … with a length of 292meters ….The Onehunga Wharf was completed in 1958. Onehunga was a frequent port of call for coastal vessels operating between other west coast New Zealand ports. Passenger traffic was also extremely popular in the late 1800s, with passenger steamers operating between many of the New Zealand west coast ports.
In during 2018 Onehunga Wharf is now officially under the ownership of Auckland Council’s development agency, Panuku Development Auckland, after it was purchased from Ports of Auckland earlier this year.
“Onehunga was one of the first areas established by Māori and European settlers, due to its lush environment and natural harbours,” says Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Councillor Josephine Bartley. “The wharf plays a crucial role in connecting our community to the Manukau Harbour. It’s great to see it secured as an area that could eventually be opened up to the people of Onehunga as a flourishing and lively centre that is well connected to its past, its community and the surrounding environment.
to Scale….. that Wrath of Khan moment.
The first step has been made in transforming Onehunga’s gritty wharf from an industrial port to a new community of homes, shops and public space.
The wharf, occupied now by long sheds, has been purchased by Auckland Council.
The deal is a deck-chair shuffle, given the existing owner Ports of Auckland is wholly-owned by the council. The council did not disclose a purchase price. Onehunga Wharf has been acquired by Auckland Council in a move that will be critical to the revitalisation of Onehunga over the next 30 years.
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The vision for the wharf is that it will be transformed into a new community with homes, cafes, retail and public space, while retaining its seafaring history and spirit.
The land has sprawling views across the water to Mangere Bridge and out to the Manukau Harbour. It follows a man-made beach being put in on the Hillsborough side of the bay.
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The project to turn the wharf into a new centre may take up to 25 years and work will not start on the site for five years.
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff today said the purchase will enable Auckland to enhance the great part of our city.
to Scale….. that Wrath of Khan moment.
note to scale wise Constitution retrofit class 305 meters long-
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“Onehunga Wharf is an historic part of Auckland and the Manukau Harbour…we want to ensure that this heritage, that has so much potential, is retained so Aucklanders can enjoy it for generations to come.
“We’ve been working for years on developing Onehunga potential as a key destination in Auckland. From the reclamation of Onehunga’s waterfront to the introduction of light rail, these changes will be transformative for Onehunga.”
Panuku Design and Place Director Rod Marler says it will be important that any future development on the wharf maintains a strong connection to the Manukau Harbour and retains its history and authentic seafaring spirit.
“This landmark purchase is a critical component of the transformation of Onehunga. The wharf is the only west coast port in Auckland and has a rich and vibrant history dating back to pre-colonial times.
Images and visuals are from their respectives
