A Brief History of Whangārei City

There are various interpretations of the name Whangārei, most reflecting a strong connection to the sea. Local Ngatiwai tribe named our harbour Whangārei-te-rerenga-parāoa, meaning both ‘the gathering place of whales’ and ‘the gathering place of chiefs’.

European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, drawn by Whangārei’s timber and kauri gum trade. The town steadily grew as a trading post including coal mining, wheat and dairy farming, and shipbuilding. By the mid-19th century, the township was a hub of maritime trade connecting Northland to Auckland and beyond.

Today, Whangārei has evolved from a small town to a modern city, with a vibrant urban centre and growing population, surrounded by natural beauty.

Kotātā Heights and the surrounding area

Centrally located in the heart of Whangarei, the new Kotātā Heights suburb is situated within the wider Morningside area.

Throughout the early 1900s, Morningside became an increasingly urbanised, residential neighbourhood, with the development of roads, infrastructure and the railway that connected to the city centre and other outlying areas.

In the mid-20th century, the suburb continued to develop, with many homes built to accommodate Whangārei’s growing population, particularly as industries like timber milling, kauri gum trade, and agriculture boosted the economy. Morningside also benefited from its proximity to Whangārei’s commercial and industrial zones, becoming a convenient place for workers to live.

Morningside continues to develop and transform into a suburban hub for families, including parks, schools, and now our very own Kotātā Heights. Today, Kotātā Heights provides a high-quality, centrally located and affordable option within walking distance to central Whangārei shopping, dining, education and employment hubs.