Ōtara is well known for its vibrant Pacific Island flavour, as well as being a talent incubator for up-and-coming sports, fine arts and performing arts stars. Papatoetoe, on the other hand, is one of the oldest settlements in New Zealand, recently celebrating 150 years of civic life including its rich heritage and history in rail.
Ōtara and Papatoetoe are complemented by Manukau’s growing metropolitan centre, East Tamaki’s industrial hub and Puhinui’s growing reputation for recreational activities.
Suburbs include Ōtara, Flat Bush, Old Papatoetoe, Hunters Corner and Manukau Central. The neighbourhood extends out to Puhinui and the west coast, near Auckland Airport.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board area's population is 75,663, with a large number of residents identifying with Pacific and Asian ethnic groups.
“There’s something about Ōtara-Papatoetoe’s character, the genuine nature of locals, and the colourful events that really tug at the heart strings,” says Local Board Chair, Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.
“Local calendars are always chock-a-block with all sorts of events in our galleries, on our sports fields, and around our town centres.”
Over the last few years, the local board has completed and facilitated a number of major projects in the area including Fresh Gallery Ōtara, the Manukau Institute of Technology’s Manukau campus, better linkages around the Ōtara town centre, the Jungle basketball court sponsored by Spark, the Ōtara Cube exhibition space and the Ōtara Music and Arts Centre.
Best kept secret: Puhinui Reserve, 199 hectares of rural land linked by pre-European settlements, has walkways, bird life, picnic areas and a mountain biking track. A great day out for the whole family!
Great things to do in Ōtara-Papatoetoe:
- Stroll through the famous Ōtara Flea Markets on a Saturday morning
- Catch a train to Manukau for a picnic in Hayman Park or some retail therapy at the mall or Super Centre
- Get your adrenaline pumping at Rainbows End Theme Park with its rides and family entertainment
- Check out a huge range of exhibitions at Fresh Gallery Ōtara or the Ōtara Cube
- Take your friends along to a show or performance at the Otara Music and Performing Arts Centre or join in one of their free community jam sessions over December.
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