Glendowie

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR

Historically, the region now known as Glendowie was witness to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Karaka Bay.

The suburb originated in the 1920s after George Riddell created a loop road with residential lots on the road and small rural blocks in the centre of the loop. Initially, deprived times saw few sections sell. However, the new owner of the rural lots combined them to become a golf course over the area now known as Churchill Park.

Fierce protection of the park by subsequent residents has curtailed any subdivisions from occurring and the park and community facilities remain. The enjoyable walk through urban farmland - as well as the more energetic orienteering escapades - combine to create a rural experience within an urban setting. Blackberry gathering in the height of summer is a fond childhood memory.

When the Glendowie landfill was closed, a flat park adjoining the Tahuna Torea bird sanctuary on the sandspit was created. This site has further historical significance as a place where early Maori stopped on the way up the Tamaki River before crossing the narrow land mass to the west coast.

Today, Glendowie is a charming suburb close to the maritime suburbs of St Heliers and Kohimarama, and is possibly a more affordable option for those wanting to enjoy the waterfront lifestyle. The waterfront drive to the central city is easily accessible and provides a pleasant alternative to clogged motorways and suburban streets for morning commuters.

Excellent primary school education is found at Glendowie and Churchill Park Primary Schools. For secondary schools, the highly rated Glendowie and Sacred Heart Colleges are nearby. These schools are very popular and are a definite selling point for the area.

Glendowie is not short of amenities. There is a popular bowling club and a tennis club close to the bush-like setting of Churchill Park. There are also facilities for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in the area, confirming that the suburb attracts young, active families as well as older empty nesters. A Probus Club is also available in the suburb, as well educational facilities for pre-schoolers in the form of play centres and kindergartens. Glover Park boasts grass athletic tracks as well as concrete cricket wickets and practice nets. The pleasant surroundings of this park also provide access to Gentlemans Bay for those willing to tackle the hill climb from the beach back to Riddell Rd.

The beaches of Glendowie tend to be more private than those of St Heliers and Kohimarama. Karaka Bay is popular with local residents, as well as being a mooring spot for keel yachts and a launching pad for recreational anglers and board sailors. The trek around the Glendowie bays between the Glendowie Yacht Club and Ladies Bay is well worth it at low tide.

House prices are upwards of $200,000. A modest home on a full section will sell for around the $400,000 mark, while luxury homes on the Glendowie waterfront can fetch upwards of several million dollars. The recent redevelopment of State housing in what was previously known as Madeleine Ave has proved to be very popular, with homes now selling in the mid-$500,000 to $700,000 bracket.