Ōtāhuhu Mount Richmond

Ōtāhuhu derives its name from the ridgepole of the Tainui waka/canoe. This name commemorates the portage of the Tainui waka from the Waitematā Harbour to the Manukau Harbour in the 14th century, which passed through Ōtāhuhu. This strategic location made the Ōtāhuhu maunga (mountain) important to Māori, who built a pā on its slopes and extensively modified them with terracing for living and defense, and pits for growing and storing food crops. Some of these pits are still visible today.

The Ōtāhuhu Mt Richmond maunga erupted approximately 30,000 years ago, creating several small scoria cones within an 800-meter-diameter explosion crater. Over the years, the moat between the scoria rings became a swamp and filled with peat, now the site of sports fields. The scoria cones were quarried, and much of the northern part of the tuff ring has been flattened for industrial subdivisions.

In 1912, an elaborate tall water tower was erected on the tihi (summit), tapping the natural water supply in a shallow well in the scoria of the crater. This water source was abandoned in 1953, and the tower was torn down in 1961.

Today, Ōtāhuhu Mt Richmond is renowned for its recreational amenities and sports fields. The main playing fields are home to the Ōtāhuhu Rovers Rugby League Football Club.