# Parau

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Coastal settlement in West Auckland, New Zealand

For the places in Romania, see [Părău](/source/P%C4%83r%C4%83u) and [Pârâu](/source/P%C3%A2r%C3%A2u_(disambiguation)).

For the ancient Persian city Farāva/Parau or the eponymous settlement in Turkmenistan, see [Serdar (city)](/source/Serdar_(city)) and [Parau (Turkmenistan)](/source/Parau_(Turkmenistan)).

Suburb in Auckland Council, New Zealand

Parau Suburb Parau seen from the Arataki Visitor Centre Interactive map of Parau Coordinates: 36°58′26″S 174°36′52″E / 36.9739°S 174.6145°E / -36.9739; 174.6145 Country New Zealand City Auckland Council Electoral ward Waitākere ward Local board Waitākere Ranges Local Board Area [1] • Land 148 ha (370 acres) Population (June 2025)[2] • Total 500 • Density 340/km2 (870/sq mi)

(Waitākere Ranges) (Waitākere Ranges) Woodlands Park (Waitākere Ranges) Parau Laingholm Huia Cornwallis (Manukau Harbour)

**Parau** is a locality of [West Auckland](/source/West_Auckland%2C_New_Zealand) in the [Auckland Region](/source/Auckland_Region). It is under the local governance of [Auckland Council](/source/Auckland_Council). It is a coastal community close to Titirangi village. Parau is made up of Huia Road, one other looping street called Rauhuia Crescent and two cul de sacs, Staley Road and Shirley Road. It also consists of a safe clean beach called Armour Bay where locals can partake in tennis, and swimming in the [Manukau Harbour](/source/Manukau_Harbour) which laps the beach.

## Geography

The Parau area is dominated by [pōhutukawa](/source/P%C5%8Dhutukawa)/[rata](/source/Metrosideros) sheltered coastal fringe forest. Higher elevation areas of the peninsula and mainlands are predominantly a warm lowlands [pūriri](/source/P%C5%ABriri) forest.[3]

## History

Parau is close to the site of the 1740s battle between [Te Taoū](/source/Te_Tao%C5%AB) [hapū](/source/Hap%C5%AB) of [Ngāti Whātua](/source/Ng%C4%81ti_Wh%C4%81tua) and [Kiwi Tāmaki](/source/Kiwi_T%C4%81maki) of [Waiohua](/source/Waiohua) (now underneath the [Lower Nihotupu Reservoir](/source/Lower_Nihotupu_Reservoir)).[4][5]

During the mid-19th century, the area was deforested for [kauri](/source/Agathis_australis) timber, and later formed by Duff and Marshall Laing, sons of George Laing who had settled at [Laingholm](/source/Laingholm).[6] The western shores of Big Muddy Creek were farmed by the Armour family, while the eastern shores were owned by [Jermyn Symonds](/source/Jermyn_Symonds).[6] The farming settlement that developed around the area became known as Brooklyn by the late 19th century.[7] In the early 20th century, Duff Laing continued to run a dairy farm in the area, and the Flemish-Belgian De Brabandere family ran a sheep and dairy farm owned by the Flemish-Belgian De Brabandere family.[8]

The name of the post office was changed to Parau in the late 1910s.[9] In the mid-1910s, construction began on [Upper Nihotupu Dam](/source/Upper_Nihotupu_Reservoir), leading Parau to develop as an area where workers families settled.[10][11] Material for the dam was sent to Big Muddy Creek by barge, then transported to the dam site by a tramway.[10] The dam finished construction in 1923, after which Parau became popular with holidaymakers and retirees, when many of the workers families left.[12] The Big Muddy Creek and [Huia](/source/Huia%2C_New_Zealand) valleys reforested in native bush, which impressed residents and sparked much of the movement for the formation of a nature reserve.[13] The Auckland Centennial Memorial Park (which later grew to form the [Waitākere Ranges Regional Park](/source/Wait%C4%81kere_Ranges)) opened in 1940.[13]

A second dam at Parau was constructed between the 1940s and 1960s, known as the [Lower Nihotupu Dam](/source/Lower_Nihotupu_Reservoir).[12] This dam, much closer to the township, flooded most of the flat land where the Laing farm had previously been located.[8]

## Demographics

Parau is described by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement, and covers 1.48 km2 (0.57 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 500 as of June 2025,[2] with a population density of 338 people per km2. It is part of the [Oratia statistical area](/source/Oratia#Demographics).[14]

‹ The [template](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Template) *[Historical populations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Historical_populations)* is being [considered for merging](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Templates_for_discussion/Log/2026_June_24#Template:Infobox_demographics). ›

Historical population Year Pop. ±% p.a. 2006 444 — 2013 474 +0.94% 2018 501 +1.11% 2023 489 −0.48% Source: [15][16]

Parau had a population of 489 in the [2023 New Zealand census](/source/2023_New_Zealand_census), a decrease of 12 people (−2.4%) since the [2018 census](/source/2018_New_Zealand_census), and an increase of 15 people (3.2%) since the [2013 census](/source/2013_New_Zealand_census). There were 243 males, 243 females and 3 people of [other genders](/source/Non-binary_gender) in 168 dwellings.[17] 7.4% of people identified as [LGBTIQ+](/source/LGBTQ). The median age was 41.5 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 96 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 90 (18.4%) aged 15 to 29, 249 (50.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 54 (11.0%) aged 65 or older.[16]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 90.2% [European](/source/European_New_Zealanders) ([Pākehā](/source/P%C4%81keh%C4%81)); 8.6% [Māori](/source/M%C4%81ori_people); 6.1% [Pasifika](/source/Pasifika_New_Zealanders); 6.1% [Asian](/source/Asian_New_Zealanders); 1.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 4.9% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 98.2%, Māori language by 2.5%, Samoan by 0.6%, and other languages by 11.7%. No language could be spoken by 1.2% (e.g. too young to talk). [New Zealand Sign Language](/source/New_Zealand_Sign_Language) was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 27.6, compared with 28.8% nationally.

Religious affiliations were 20.9% [Christian](/source/Christianity_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [Māori religious beliefs](/source/M%C4%81ori_religious_beliefs), 0.6% [Buddhist](/source/Buddhism_in_New_Zealand), 0.6% [New Age](/source/New_Age), and 1.2% other religions. People who answered that they had [no religion](/source/Irreligion_in_New_Zealand) were 66.9%, and 9.2% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 87 (22.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 201 (51.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 57 (14.5%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $46,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 78 people (19.8%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 219 (55.7%) people were employed full-time, 69 (17.6%) were part-time, and 15 (3.8%) were unemployed.[16]

## Gallery

		- Parau in 1962

		- The [Lower Nihotupu Dam](/source/Lower_Nihotupu_Dam) Spillway

		- Parau village in 2022

		- A view of the [Lower Nihotupu Dam](/source/Lower_Nihotupu_Dam) Lake, looking towards Parau and the [Manukau Harbour](/source/Manukau_Harbour)

## Notes

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Area_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Area_1-1) ["ArcGIS Web Application"](https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787). *statsnz.maps.arcgis.com*. Retrieved 14 May 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NZ_population_data_2018_2-1) ["Subnational population estimates - Aotearoa Data Explorer"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/?fs%5b0%5d=Society%2C1%7CPopulation%20estimates%23CAT_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23%7CSubnational%20population%20estimates%23CAT_SUBNATIONAL_POPULATION_ESTIMATES%23&pg=0&bp=true&snb=10&isAvailabilityDisabled=false). [Statistics New Zealand](/source/Statistics_New_Zealand). Retrieved 29 October 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NativeWest_3-0)** ["Native to the West: A Guide for Planting and Restoring the Nature of Waitakere City"](https://www.lucas-associates.co.nz/assets/Guidelines/Native-To-The-West.pdf) (PDF). [Waitakere City Council](/source/Waitakere_City_Council). April 2005. Retrieved 16 June 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AileenFox_4-0)** [Fox, Aileen](/source/Aileen_Fox) (1977). ["Pa of the Auckland Isthmus: An Archaeological Analysis"](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/62618121). *[Records of the Auckland Institute and Museum](/source/Records_of_the_Auckland_Institute_and_Museum)*. **14**: 1–24. [ISSN](/source/ISSN_(identifier)) [0067-0464](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0067-0464). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [42906245](https://www.jstor.org/stable/42906245). [Wikidata](/source/WDQ_(identifier)) [Q58677038](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58677038).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-AucklandCouncilMuddy_5-0)** ["The Muddy Creeks Plan - a Local Area Plan for Parau, Laingholm, Woodlands Park and Waimā"](https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/arts-culture-heritage/heritage-walks-places/docswaitakererangesheritagearea/waitakere-ranges-muddy-creeks-plan.pdf) (PDF). [Auckland Council](/source/Auckland_Council). 13 February 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200991_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200991_6-1) [Harvey & Harvey 2009](#CITEREFHarveyHarvey2009), pp. 91.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["A Brothers' Quarrell"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS18870420.2.39). *[The Auckland Star](/source/The_Auckland_Star)*. Vol. XVIII, no. 92. 20 April 1887. p. 5. Retrieved 30 April 2022 – via Papers Past.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHodge199089–90_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHodge199089–90_8-1) [Hodge 1990](#CITEREFHodge1990), pp. 89–90.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Over Forest Clad Ranges"](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19190215.2.83). *[The Auckland Star](/source/The_Auckland_Star)*. Vol. L, no. 40. 15 February 1919. p. 14. Retrieved 30 April 2022 – via Papers Past.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200993_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200993_10-1) [Harvey & Harvey 2009](#CITEREFHarveyHarvey2009), pp. 93.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTELa_Roche201127–50_11-0)** [La Roche 2011](#CITEREFLa_Roche2011), pp. 27–50.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200993,_97_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200993,_97_12-1) [Harvey & Harvey 2009](#CITEREFHarveyHarvey2009), pp. 93, 97.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200997_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEHarveyHarvey200997_13-1) [Harvey & Harvey 2009](#CITEREFHarveyHarvey2009), pp. 97.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [2018 Census place summary: Oratia](https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/oratia)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2018_15-0)** ["Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census"](https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/statistical-area-1-dataset-for-2018-census-updated-march-2020). Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7007116, 7007121 and 7007122.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census_2023_16-2) ["Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_008&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.1106.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to%5bTIME%5d=false&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly%5bcl%5d=CEN23_YEAR_001). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Parau (1106). Retrieved 3 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses"](https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs%5b0%5d=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df%5bds%5d=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df%5bid%5d=CEN23_TBT_005&df%5bag%5d=STATSNZ&df%5bvs%5d=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.1106.2023&ly%5brw%5d=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003). Stats NZ – Tatauranga Aotearoa – Aotearoa Data Explorer. Retrieved 3 October 2024.

### References

- Harvey, Bruce; Harvey, Trixie (2009). "That Noble Sheet of Water". In [Macdonald, Finlay](/source/Finlay_Macdonald_(editor)); Kerr, Ruth (eds.). *West: The History of Waitakere*. Random House. pp. 87–104. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781869790080](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781869790080).

- Hodge, Essie (1990). "Early Titirangi". In Northcote-Bade, James (ed.). *West Auckland Remembers, Volume 1*. West Auckland Historical Society. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-473-00983-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-473-00983-8).

- [La Roche, John](/source/John_La_Roche) (2011). "Auckland's Water Supply". In La Roche, John (ed.). *Evolving Auckland: The City's Engineering Heritage*. Wily Publications. pp. 27–50. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781927167038](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781927167038).

## External links

- [Photographs of Parau](https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/search/searchterm/Parau/field/title/) held in [Auckland Libraries'](/source/Auckland_Libraries) heritage collections.

v t e Waitākere Ranges Local Board Area, Auckland, New Zealand Populated places Cornwallis Glen Eden Henderson Valley Huia Karekare Kaurilands Konini Laingholm Little Huia Oratia Parau Piha Swanson Te Henga / Bethells Beach Titirangi Waiatarua Waima Waitākere Woodlands Park Geographic features Anawhata Fairy Falls French Bay / Otitori Bay Karekare Falls Kitekite Falls Lake Kawaupaka Lake Wainamu Lion Rock Manukau Harbour Big Muddy Creek Kakamatua Inlet Little Muddy Creek Mokoroa Falls O'Neill Bay Ōpanuku Stream Oratia Stream Pararaha Stream Paratahi Island Piha Stream Swanson Stream Taitomo Island Te Unuhanga-a-Rangitoto / Mercer Bay Waikumete Stream Waitākere Ranges Pukematekeo Ruaotuwhenua Te Rau-o-te-Huia / Mount Donald McLean Te Toiokawharu Waitākere River Whatipu Paratutae Island Te Toka-Tapu-a-Kupe / Ninepin Rock Whites Beach Facilities and attractions Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre Goldie Bush Scenic Reserve Hoani Waititi Marae Lopdell House Parrs Park Scenic Drive Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery Titirangi Soldiers' Memorial Church Waikumete Cemetery Waitākere Ranges Regional Park Arataki Visitor Centre Lower Nihotupu Reservoir Upper Nihotupu Reservoir Waitākere Reservoir Whatipu Lodge Government Auckland Council Waitākere Ranges Local Board Waitākere Ward Waitakere City Council (defunct) Organisations Ark in the Park Glenora Bears Oratia United Piha Surf Life Saving Club Project Twin Streams Studio West

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Parau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parau) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parau?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.