Helensville

BY CHARLOTTE COSSAR

With Auckland's boundaries expanding, it is not surprising that small settlements, including Helensville, are fast becoming a destination of choice for people who want a semi-rural lifestyle that's affordable.

Having suffered for many years from sleepy town syndrome, times are changing for this town with huge community spirit.

In the 1800s, Helensville was known for the tall ships that came up the Kaipara River from the Kaipara Harbour carrying logs to the mill. Owned by the Wests, a prominent family in the town, the timber mill was the primary industry of this area for many years.

Helensville was named after Helen McLeod, member of another prominent farming family who still have descendants in the area.

Today the area is becoming a dormitory suburb of greater Auckland offering affordable houses and an increasing number of lifestyle blocks. With easy access to the Kaipara Harbour, Muriwai Beach and Woodhill Forest, it is no wonder that Helensville is home to many people interested in horse activities, mountain biking and tramping.

A 30-minute drive from New Zealand's largest city, the area is becoming well known for its antique and collectable shops, its artists and its wonderful country village atmosphere. With no traffic lights or traffic jams, it is very much a family town, often with several generations of the same family living in or around the town.

Real estate agent Kerry King of Barfoot & Thompson is passionate about Helensville. "I was born here and have raised a family here. My parents are still here as are my brothers - so for me it is a very special place. It has so much to offer in itself but is still handy to Albany, West Auckland and the city should you need to go there. We have Muriwai Beach within a 20-minute drive, Orewa Beach 30 minutes, and our own Shelly Beach - with its great fishing - 20 minutes' drive away. Helensville is alive and kicking and I think we are about to move ahead. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else! And I tell my buyers that."

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

There are many local events throughout the year, including the popular A&P show, Country and Western week, a wine festival, music festivals and activities at the Pony Club. Sporting activities aren't forgotten either with cricket, tennis, netball, rugby and bowls being well catered for.

WHAT AMENITIES ARE THERE?

Amenities include Parakai Hot Thermal Pools, which is just along the road, several cafes, pubs, craft shops, Woolworths, butchers, a bakery, hairdressers, restaurants, takeaways, a flower shop, garden shop and Wrightsons, to mention a few. There is also a medical centre, RSA, public library, information centre, several primary schools (including Helensville Primary, Parakai Primary, Woodhill Primary and Waioneke) and Kaipara College.

WHO LIVES HERE?

There is a cross section of residents from young couples to retirees. Generally, the area attracts people wanting to move from the city and suburbs who like the idea of raising children in a smaller community. The lifestyle blocks of 1ha or more are very popular as are bigger lots of land for the city farmer.

House prices have increased in the past six months, but it is still very affordable to buy here. Many people buy villas and bungalows, because they are at least a third of the price as those in Auckland's suburbs.

HOUSE PRICES

There are a variety of properties available in Helensville from small one-bedroom units to large modern executive homes on one or more hectares. Prices vary. For a one-bedroom unit you can expect to pay about $85,000, for a cheaper investment property $150,000 and for a three-bedroom house with garage on a 600sq m section between $180,000 and $250,000. A bare block of 1ha costs between $150,000 and $200,000, lifestyle blocks with a house from about $300,000 to $400,000 and farms between $1 million to $2 million for large ones with harbour access.

The newer areas in town are sought after with Rimmer and Fordyce Rds being popular rural areas.