Helensville, New Zealand

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Helensville is a town in the North Island of New Zealand. It is sited 40 kilometres northwest of Auckland, close to the southern extremity of the Kaipara Harbour. The town's population (in 2001) was 2,232.

Helensville is also the name of an electorate seat in the Parliament of New Zealand. The current member for Helensville is John Key for National.

[edit] Early history

The area around Helensville was originally called Te Awaroa, meaning "The long path" or "The long river valley". The first European settlers in the district were Scottish timber millers named McLeod. John McLeod built a house which he named "Helen's Villa" in honour of his wife, and the name soon became that of the surrounding settlement.

Initial development of the town was around the kauri milling industry, but by the start of the 20th century dairying was becoming of increasing importance. It was also becoming somewhat of a tourist centre, owing to the presence of hot springs 3km to the west of the town at Parakai.

[edit] Economy

Although it is no longer a forestry or dairy centre, the town is still a tourist attraction, largely because of its many historic buildings, the Hot Sprints at Parakai and the Parakai Aerodrome. It has also seen positive effects from the nearby wine producing region around Kumeu, 20 kilometres to the south.

[edit] Education

The town is served by Helensville Primary School, and a secondary school, Kaipara College with about 700 students, noted for its performance in sport, writing and music.

[edit] Transport

Helensville is on the North Auckland line and is the next major station north of Waitakere. The station still features the original wooden station building, which has been restored, and has a shunting yard and Ontrack depot. There have been plans to extend the Auckland suburban rail services, which currently terminate at Waitakere, to Helensville.

[edit] External links

• Helensville Online
• Kaipara College website