BRIDGE TO YOUR HEART

Prices in Mangere Bridge are still reasonably affordable, and new families are joining the community, having realized how relatively central it is – especially since the opening of the Waterview Tunnel,

In Mangere Bridge there are signs of Maori settlement dating back 800 years. Early explorers appreciated the rich volcanic soil, abundant springs, and nearby fishing grounds.

The mountain became a fortified Maori Pa and traces of early Maori villages can still be seen. Some of the first European settlers to the area established churches and a school and, eventually, a rail link to nearby Onehunga.

The first Mangere Bridge was built from timber and opened in 1875, but it was narrow and unstable and only lasted about 40 years. Various other versions have served since then until the last section of today’s bridge opened 10 years ago.

It was designed to handle a potential rail link, running underneath it to the airport.

Mangere Bridge was largely a peaceful, sleepy suburb with a number of dairy farms and Chinese market gardens until the 1960s.

Large areas of Mangere itself had earlier been developed for state housing, while most residential housing in Mangere Bridge was built between 1970 and 1979

What’s to love?

People in Mangere Bridge have a strong sense of community. Te Puea Marae is at the heart of it all, with their well-known commitment to helping homeless people find shelter.

Along with state houses and brick and tile properties, are some beautiful old bungalows and villas, dating from the days when local farmers and orchardists produced milk and produce for Auckland city.

Waterlea, a stately residence dating back to the 1880s was home to New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange until his death in 2005.

Ambury Regional Park is a fully-working local farm with sheep, cattle and horse-riding for the disabled. Its harbourside are a habitat for shorebirds.

In the Mangere Bridge village, the well-established shopping centre boasts a number of cute eateries such as Ruby Red and Lucky Cafe, regular gathering places for locals.

There are lots of local walks, including those in Otuataua stonefields historic reserve, where remnants of native vegetation can still be found, along with native birds and skink. Mangere Mountain is also a great place for a stroll.

Buying and selling

OneRoof data shows Mangere Bridge property values have held well in the past year, with the median value up 2 per cent year to $945,000, although growth has levelled off in the last quarter. Notably, Mangere Bridge’s median property value is $70,000 above that of Onehunga’s, a suburb over the water that’s closer to the city and is on the main rail line (although the higher percentage of lower grade stock in Onehunga will be factor in this). New transport infrastructure — flagged by Auckland Council — could see property values in Mangere Bridge increase substantially.

Jared Hards, from Ray White, has been selling property in the Mangere Bridge area for many years and says it’s a hidden gem loved by its residents, yet many Aucklanders are barely aware of its existence.

“Because it’s a little peninsula and isn’t a thoroughfare to other places, they may have no need to ever go there.”

He says that the market was stagnant for a while, but since the beginning of spring it has become extremely buoyant, with some phenomenal results.

“Buyer inquiries are up and prices are too, with a couple of high-quality waterfront properties fetching over $2m each.

“On the northern side of the suburb you’re looking in the $900,000 to early millions and on the southern there’s nothing below $750,000.”

Hards notes that around 8 out of 10 Mangere Bridge properties are sold to people who already own properties in the suburb. There are multiple generations who have lived there all their lives.

“It’s one of the closest communities I’ve ever seen and everybody knows each other’s name.”

He says that under Auckland’s Unitary Plan, there is potential for development in Mangere Bridge.

“Previously you had to have a 1200sq m section if you wanted to subdivide, but it’s easier now.

“Having said that, developers did come in and build some town houses but they weren’t hugely successful, because most residents here want large sections for their children to play on.”