Mauku
Place in Auckland Region, New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mauku is a settlement located 10 km (6.2 mi) west of Pukekohe in New Zealand.[1]
Mauku | |
|---|---|
An illustration of St Bride's Church in 1863 showing the stockade and tents surrounding the church | |
 Interactive map of Mauku | |
| Coordinates: 37.202°S 174.816°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Auckland Region |
| Ward | Franklin ward |
| Board | Franklin Local Board |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Auckland Council |
History
Mauku was the first settlement in the Franklin area west of Pukekohe. It was settled c.1854,[2] at the mouth of a stream that led into the Manukau Harbour as this provided access to Onehunga. With the development of roads and the forests cleared the settlement moved inland.[3] It was originally the most important settlement in the area; Pukekohe and Patumahoe did not have European settlement and Waiuku had only a few settlers.[4]
Mauku was the first settlement in the Franklin area to have a church. St Bride's Church was opened on the 14th, July, 1861.[5]: 35
In July 1863 the Invasion of the Waikato began and settlers in Mauku became worried about an attack from hostile Māori. The women and children of Mauku evacuated to Auckland and a stockade was constructed around St Bride's to serve as a military outpost. Up to 2,000 men were based at the church at one point.[6] Mauku was also the base of the Forest Rangers during the war.[7]
The Mauku Historical Cemetery is located 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north of the settlement.[8]
Government
The Mauku Road District Board administered the area from 2 August 1872 before amalgamating with Franklin County in 1913.[9][10]