West Auckland has always had the reputation of being the larrikin cousin to the more civilised areas of Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland). There has long been a frontier flavour to the West, which has often been viewed as shady by residents of other parts of this fine metropolis.
Some of this has likely been earned and the mystique of the past still lurks in many areas just below the surface. For much of the early to mid 20th century, West Auckland was off the beaten trail for most Aucklanders. The roads weren’t that flash and, backed up against the raw natural barrier of the Waitakere Ranges, there didn’t seem much incentive for the masses to head there. That is, unless you were heading to the raw black sand beaches, or you were wanting to avoid attention in central Auckland, which might have helped contribute to its ‘Wild West’ reputation.
On the surface at least, the activities that characterised the West from the early days encompassed mainly the remnants of gum digging, kauri logging, orchards, brick works, and the nascent Dalmatian wine industry. The famous Corbans wine dynasty, and others, established themselves in the bastion of ‘liquor ban country’ for those who appreciate gentle irony. This ace in the deck was to prove a real boon for later undercover activities in the Wild West.
But closer scrutiny reveals the convenient isolation of West Auckland. It was something of a haven for the new bohemian community and rebels wanting to let their hair down, away from the disapproving eyes of establishment Auckland. Enclaves of alternatively minded
