Mangere

By LUCY RICHMOND.

Pacific Islanders, Maori, Chinese, Indian, Somoan, Tongan. When it comes to Auckland suburbs boasting a rich cultural mix, Mangere is up there with the best of them.

Split into four areas - Mangere, Mangere East, Mangere Bridge and Favona - this region is big on its sense of community. And a quick search on the Net reveals why. From the Mangere East Community Network to the multi-cultural Mangere Market (Saturdays, 6am-2pm, with lots of stalls, including crafts, jewellery, shoes, clothing, produce and entertainment), there's no excuse for residents to moan about a lack of community spirit.

All this - combined with the odd market garden having survived the urban spread, the shoreline being smartened up and the whiff from the sewage works having been considerably reduced - there are a lot of reasons why Mangere folk are proud of their patch.

Affordable house prices make the area popular with immigrants and first-home buyers. The developers have moved in in recent years and these guys often grab what's going before it has been marketed, which has certainly jazzed up the property mix. A handful of townhouse and terrace developments now sit alongside the more familiar weatherboard, State and ex-State homes. Meanwhile, there are still some grand old dames of villas, beachfront homes and the odd house with an awesome view of the harbour to be found.

When it comes to highlighting some of the more popular streets, Deo Rajan, of LJ Hooker, Otahuhu, picks out Massey and Robertson Rds in Mangere and the Favona area. "Bigger subdivisions like Peninsula Park and Park Wood Estate also play a major part in attracting new buyers to this part of South Auckland," he says. Mangere Bridge is all about 50s and 60s bungalows, with Kiwi Esplanade being regarded by some as an attractive address.

The suburb is within easy reach of the airport (five minutes) and about 40 minutes from the CBD (in peak-hour traffic).

PRICES

The quality of the older-style homes can vary, and the odd real do-up can still be bought for around $140,000. Around $200,000 will get you a reasonable three-bedroom bungalow on a full site, while homes on the new subdivisions are going for $300,000 plus. Large waterfront properties in Mangere Bridge fall in the $400,000-plus bracket.

SCHOOLS

Young families are well catered for with a wide choice of primary schools, along with two intermediates and three high schools - Kingsford High School, De La Salle College and Mangere College.

AMENITIES INCLUDE:

Sports fields at Mangere Mountain.

Ambury Farm park - a large working farm next to the harbour with coastal reefs and inlets.

Otuataua Historic Reserve - which covers 100ha and features remains of Maori and European occupation.

The old Mangere bridge - a popular haven for local fishing enthusiasts.

Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Leisure Centre - which has gym facilities and a pool.

Mangere Community Arts Outreach Service.

Mangere East Rugby League Club.

Mangere Bridge shopping centre (caters for everyday needs). Manukau City shopping centre is close by.