Te Atatu

By ROBYN WELSH

Change is in the air throughout the peninsula end of Te Atatu. Once the poor relation of its southern namesake, Te Atatu Peninsula has shaken off the lowly associations of its old name, Te Atatu North, and it now boasts many residential and community initiatives.

For the long-standing Te Atatu residents who share a historical link with the area, the three-year-old name change has been a hard habit to break. Such is the parochialism and loyalty to the suburb that extends on either side of the north-western motorway.

Now there is immense local pride in the new developments that are strengthening the peninsula's identity, including the new village green being built in the town centre and the water's edge reserves.

More new homes and renewed interest in group housing, which helped to put first-time buyers into affordable homes in Te Atatu North in the 50s and 60s, is firming its profile as a popular family area, too.

The highly publicised Waimanu Bay and Harbour View Estate developments offer an enviable lifestyle choice along the peninsula's eastern coastline, which overlooks Waitemata Harbour to Pt Chevalier and Auckland City.

Such homes are attracting buyers from throughout Auckland, and industry sources say it has become fairly common for buyers, including well-off professionals, to trade down in the process.

Doing so means that they can buy a new home in the $300,000 to $700,000 price range, which is a few minutes' drive from the motorway and less than a 15-minute drive (non-peak time) from the city centre.

The suburb has a wide choice of primary schools, and a secondary school, Rutherford College, is situated on the water's edge to the west.

Several clubs cater for boating and water-sport enthusiasts, while Te Atatu has one of Auckland's most popular pony clubs.

The Edgley Estate terrace house development on the peninsula is expected to attract buyers to properties priced from $250,000 to $320,000, and up to $500,000 for homes with a view.

The group homes, which dominated Te Atatu North in the days when Te Atatu South was sought-after for its established homes, are attracting buyers keen to upgrade their homes for the lifestyle and capital gain.

These and similar first-entry homes offer three/four bedrooms and a garage on big sections for less than $200,000, with most newer and older homes on the water's edge in the $400,000 to $600,000 price bracket.

Unlike other waterfront suburbs, it's possible to buy a home with a jetty for less than $500,000.

Established homes across all prices ranges are in big demand and short supply. One real estate agent estimates that only 50 of the peninsula's 3600 homes are for sale, excluding those in new developments.

Te Atatu boasts a pro-active community group, which is behind Waitemata City Council's construction of the village green. The green's themed playground, pavilion and artworks are being funded by local businesses.

A parallel project is the planned People's Park near the Harbour View Estate, which will link the water's edge reserves to the village green and the town centre.