Waterview, New Zealand

Waterview is a suburb of Auckland City, located along the western edge of central part of Auckland's isthmus. The geographical boundaries of Waterview are Oakley Creek in the east, Heron Park in the south, the Waitemata Harbour (with the West Motu Manawa (Pollen Island) Marine Reserve), and the SH16 motorway and the Oakley Creek inlet in the north.^[1][2]

Waterview is primarily a residential area, with its residents primarily commuting to Auckland City. There are no cafes, and few shops or community facilities - beyond a local dairy - in the suburb, with most residents using those at Point Chevalier or Avondale. However, these are 20–30 minutes walk away.^[1][2]

History

The Waterview area, especially along the coast and inlet areas, has a relatively high incidence of archeologically significant areas, from old settlement remnants (both Maori and early European settler), to a comparatively well-retained site of an old mill/tannery and quarry (Star Mill/Garret Bros Tannery) which is a schedculed Category I Historic Place, and which once used the stream waters to drive a waterwheel.^[1][2]

The population of Waterview has grown over the years:

• 1996 census - 2898
• 2001 census - 3066
• 2006 census - 3378

Transport

The major issue facing Waterview is the proposed completion of SH20 from Hillsborough through to the North Western Motorway. The route through Waterview was highly contentious until (and to a degree after) a fast-tracked Board of Inquiry process consented a route in mid 2011, which will place a new motorway tunnel portal at the north end of the suburb, causing the removal of numerous homes in the area.^[3]

Education

Local state secondary schools include Avondale College, Western Springs College and Mount Albert Grammar School.

The suburb also hosts Waterview Primary, with a student roll of about 150, and a Decile 2 rating.^[4]

References