The Peaceful Dell of Mangawharawhara, Eltham

Te Wā’iawa ‘ūmārie o Mangaw’araw’ara

Local iwi Ngāti Ruanui and Ngā Ruahine have gifted the walkway a new name – Te Wā’iawa ‘ūmārie o Mangaw’araw’ara. The new name will encourage a change from Tūmatauenga to principles of Rongomaraeroa (from glorifying war to emphasising the place of peace and prosperity of the community).

Distance: 800m

Grade: Moderate level of fitness required

Accessibility: Not wheelchair or buggy friendly

Dogs: Allowed on lead and under control at all times

The track includes steps, uneven surfaces and a steep slope, so a moderate level of fitness is needed. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended as it may be slippery when wet.

The loop track’s route is 800m and can be accessed from a number of points which will take you past the remains of the first sewage system, which is on the other side of the river, installed in Eltham in 1918 and will meander along the Mangawharawhara Stream (which roughly translated means scuffle stream).

More about Soldiers Park

Through the efforts of Sir Walter Carncross and Mr C A Wilinson a reserve of some 45 acres named Soldiers Memorial Park was acquired in August 1919.

The area at the western end of the park was known as Snakes Gully due to the original windy, twisted road in the area.

Six workers cottages were erected 1922/23 and 1,000 gum trees were planted as a shelter belt.

The park was developed using a number of unemployed men during the depression years as a memorial to men and women who lost their lives during World War I.

July 5, 1938, work commenced, the Mangawharawhara Stream was diverted and the sports ground levelled. The baths (swimming pools) were built later in 1964.

The reserve covers the Soldiers Memorial Park, swimming pool, children’s playground, golf course and walkway.

The many nicknames of Soldier's Memorial Park

Poverty Flat	This seems to be the oldest nickname for the park but no one knows why.
Blowfly Flat	This is the name remembered by school children in the 1930’s. The sewage didn’t get away very well in those days and the gully was a very smelly place with lots of blowflies. The sewage was put there before the present primary school was built.
Snakes Gully	Earned in the days of relief work. The name initially appeared in print in connection with Home Guard exercises held in the area. The men engaged in training operations there were in the habit of referring to the “Battle of Snake Gully”. Also thought to reference the way Conway Road winds like a snake.
Panama Canal and Culebra Cut	Related to the diversion of the creek. It conveyed a sarcastic impression of the size of the job, which nevertheless was one of some magnitude.
Statue Alley	A derogatory term of those engaged to work there than that of the work itself.