Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau

Where can I find information about the local histories of Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau?

Colour photo of a view of Auckland taken from the top of Mt. Eden. People walk on the volcanic cone in the foreground.

Image: Auckland, New Zealand (49152589687) by Pedro Szekely on Wikimedia Commons.

Aotearoa has a unique story involving a variety of people, places and events. We'll show you the best websites, collections, and books to use to explore these histories and find out what has happened in Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau in the past.

Aerial view of Auckland taken from a satellite. Rangitoto, Motutapu, and Waiheke Islands are along the top.

Local iwi

There are many iwi with ancestral relationships to Tāmaki Makaurau. This page lists iwi and websites which have information about their histories.

Learn about local iwi
Colour photo of war veterans standing beside the Takapuna War memorial during its official dedication on 11 November 2002.

Changing views on conflict

This entry recommends resources to find out how New Zealand's involvement and views of conflict have changed over time, and how wars are commemorated. It also looks at New Zealand's work with the United Nations and current ideas of national identity.

Learn about changing views on conflict
1900 photo showing Premier Richard Seddon and King Togia of the Savage Islands (now Niue) seated. 3 guards stand behind them.

Colonial power in the Pacific

This entry has collections and websites to help explore the history of New Zealand's presence and colonial power in the Pacific. It has examples of the rise of independent Pacific nations and how they sustained their culture and presence in the Pacific.

Learn about colonial power in the Pacific
1991 black and white photo of Manukau Mayor Barry Curtis during a ceremony to bless the site of a planned Cook Islands marae in Māngere.

Decolonising the Pacific

This entry will help you find the best websites and collections to explore the decolonisation of the Pacific, including Aotearoa New Zealand's continued interests in the region.

Learn about decolonising the Pacific
Photo of the Queen Street and Customs Street intersection, Auckland.

Economic independence and vulnerability

This entry will help you find information about the history behind Auckland's economic progress and independence, and the factors that impacted it.

Learn about economic independence and vulnerability
1960 black and white photo of Dennis Doo and Registered Nurse Jeanne Wong at the Hi Diddle Griddle restaurant.

Finding a place in Aotearoa New Zealand

Since the 1700s, new people have immigrated to Aotearoa. Some came in search of a better way of life or because their country was no longer safe. Newcomers could experience racism and discrimination. They also helped shape New Zealand as a country.

Learn about finding a place in Aotearoa New Zealand
Black and white photo of participants in the Land March crossing the Harbour Bridge on 24 September 1975

Mana in Māori society

This entry has websites to help you understand the different meanings of mana and its importance in political, social and traditional relationships in Māori society.

Learn about mana in Māori society
1903 black and white photo showing Māori families planting their annual crop of potatoes in Ohinemuri, Auckland.

Māori economy: opportunities and challenges

This entry will help you find the best websites and databases that explore the history and development of the Māori economy including the challenges Māori faced from the New Zealand Wars, land sales and decisions made by the Native Land Court.

Learn about māori economy: opportunities and challenges
Colour photo of 5 Indian women wearing saris. They stand beside 2 parked cars in Grey Lynn.

Peopling the colony: inclusion and exclusion

This entry recommends places to find information about the history of immigration to Tāmaki Makaurau and New Zealand. This includes immigration laws and changes, the role of Māori in immigration, and the government's attempt to set right past injustices.

Learn about peopling the colony: inclusion and exclusion
2004 photo of a hikoi marching over the Auckland Harbour Bridge from Northcote.

Sovereignty vs rangatiratanga: wars, laws and policies

This entry recommends websites where you can find information about the impacts of land laws on Māori, the New Zealand Wars, and attempts by Māori to find justice and build a relationship with the Crown.

Learn about sovereignty vs rangatiratanga: wars, laws and policies
Black and white photo of the motorship port Waikato loading white pine at Dargaville, North Auckland, for Sydney.

Technology and economic development

This entry will help you understand how advances in technology and land acquisition developed Auckland's economy but greatly impacted Māori and their economy.

Learn about technology and economic development
Illustration of Te Kawau and his nephew Tamahiki. Te Kawau sits on the ground holding a mere. Tamahiki stands holding a taiaha.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi

This entry recommends websites and collections to find information about He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni | The Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Waitangi | Te Tiriti o Waitangi, their significance, and the signatories.

Learn about te Tiriti o Waitangi
1901 black and white photo of the Waikiekie homestead in Northern Auckland. Dairy cows are in the foreground.

Transforming environments

This entry explores changes made by settlers to Aotearoa's natural environment, their naming of places and features, and efforts to conserve and restore its natural beauty.

Learn about transforming environments
Black and white photo of One Tree Hill, Auckland. Shown are former Māori Fortification Pits of what was the Maungakiekie Pā.

Transforming te taiao

This entry will help you find information on the changes made to the environment by pre-European Māori, and their care and connections to te taiao (the natural world).

Learn about transforming te taiao
Colour photo of the reception building at the Hoani Waititi Marae.

Urbanisation and being Māori

This entry will help you find information about Māori migration to cities, their challenges, and what this meant for their identity as Māori. You will also find information about some protests Māori were involved in to challenge political and social ideas.

Learn about urbanisation and being Māori
Six cartoon characters site around a table using a tablet, laptop and books.