A Local View Of The Te Atatu Peninsula

Article by Amy Cameron. Photography by Ken Downie. Reprinted with permission from ACP Media (MetroLive)

When Laila Harré decided to stand for the Alliance in Te Atatu in 1993, she didn’t know the area at all. But it didn’t take long. “I spent six months knocking on every door.” Now she’s lived on the Te Atatu peninsula for almost 13 years. She and husband Barry Gribben bought a section on the north-eastern side and built a house overlooking the Waitemata.

Their sons Sam, 18, and Jack, 13, used to tell Harré she was the most protective mother they knew of, but they were allowed to go eeling in the creek, crash about in the bush and go to the skate park — as long as they didn’t venture past the motorway. The peninsula is dominated by kids and though the West Auckland youth gang culture is alive and well, Harré says, “I don’t feel it dominates. They’re decent kids, and they’re no more violent or aggressive than anywhere else.”

Harbourview-Orangihina Reserve:
Harré says this reserve, a popular spot for concerts, is known as the People’s Park, after protesters convinced the Waitakere City Council not to develop the entire eastern side of the peninsula. A walkway starts from the corner of Karemoana and Waikura Drives, wending its way down to Danica Esplanade past historic homesteads, wetlands and man-made lakes.

Te Atatu Peninsula Walk:
Eventually it will be possible to do a coastal walk all the way around the peninsula but for now there are walks from Spinnaker Drive, Kelvin Cres, Chapman Rd and Taipari Rd. Harré regularly runs the stretch from Spinnaker down to the motorway and back — a good 7km run, with spectacular views back towards the city.

Thai Flavour, 572a Te Atatu Rd, Ph 834-0646:
There’s not much of a restaurant culture in Te Atatu, Harré says. People are more likely to grab some takeaways and head home. Thai Flavour is a favourite in the Harré household. “It’s very cheap and very good. You can feed five people for $32 on excellent Thai food.”

Jack Pringle Skate Park, Pringle Rd:
The skate park is a popular congregation spot for the peninsula’s roving children. Harré enjoys sitting at the pub across the road and watching them do their stuff.

Fuze Cafe, 566 Te Atatu Rd, Ph 834-8536:
Named after owners Murray and Therese Fuze, this cafe opened last July. Harré divides her time equally between Servo (458 Old Te Atatu Rd) and here. “Fuze is much more Pon-sonby,” she says. Chef Scott McKerrow is ex-Vinnies and Craggy Range. Harré recommends his scrambled eggs with smoked eel.

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