Onehunga

By CHARLOTTE COSSAR.

COMBINED with the power of history and location, Onehunga remains one of Auckland's more sought-after residential suburbs. Onehunga was one of the first suburbs to be settled in Auckland, with the first European arrivals dating back to 1835. Through land purchases from the local Maori, a fencible settlement was created in 1840. Onehunga further developed as a port popular for both passengers and cargo linking other ports along New Zealand's west coast. The port continued, predominantly for industrial cargo, through the 20th century and is still busy today with its close proximity to industrial enterprises in south Auckland and the presence of coastal traders and fishing vessels.

The early settlement of Onehunga from the 1840s, however, generated a rich tapestry of colonial housing that remains today. Many of Onehunga's earliest homes were built by, and for, soldiers looking to settle with their families on their own patch of land as well as to defend the settlement. There remain of course the classic villas, bungalows and workers' cottages still so hunted by large numbers of house purchasers in the greater Auckland market. While many of these older homes have already been renovated, there are still occasional vintage homes requiring restoration. There is also a range of more modern housing dating from the 1940s. The 1950s brick and tile bungalow is evident in the suburb and there are, of course, contemporary brick and tile and plaster and tile family homes in abundance as well.

Onehunga's location is attractive to many. Close to Manukau Harbour, One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park, the distance from the CBD is also not great. Onehunga has easy access to the airport and south Auckland. These location factors, combined with the generally larger size of the sections, make the area attractive to families, but there is also plenty available for no-child, professional singles and couples.

A cross-section of typical homes currently available in the area includes a typical 1950s brick and tile bungalow with three bedrooms, one bathroom and single garage on 850sq m of land, which is asking in the mid-$400,000s. A more modern five-bedroom home with city and harbour views with a one-bedroom self-contained flat, pool and outdoor entertaining areas on 800sq m of land is asking $590,000. A four-bedroom colonial villa on a private, landscaped section is again tempting buyers in the mid-$500,000s. In general, three- to four-bedroom modern family townhouses on decent-sized sections will be asking anywhere in the mid- to late-$400,000s. One should not forget the two-bedroom units, ideal for investors, which are presently selling anywhere in the early- to mid-$200,000 price range.

Today, the suburb has an ethnically diverse population. The amenities include good schooling and the increasingly popular Onehunga Mall shops. The local schools include Onehunga Primary School and Te Papapa School. The secondary schools include Onehunga High School and Penrose High School. Onehunga Mall has been rejuvenated since the early 1990s when greater access for cars was restored. The local shopping embraces an assortment of retail and service stores, banks and increasingly trendy restaurants. Dress-Smart is a local icon for many residents and attracts shoppers from all over Auckland. In addition to the afore-mentioned One Tree Hill and Cornwall Park, Jellicoe Park and Waikaraka Park add to the leisure activities. The historical buildings, including a one-time residence of Governor Grey in Symonds St, make the suburban streets well worth strolling through.