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Papakura – what does it mean
The most popular meaning or translation for the name is ‘flat, red
earth’ Papa meaning flat or level (Papa being the abbreviation of
Papatuanuku or Mother Earth) while kura is translated as ruddy or
the precious red earth.
For other variations of the meaning see:
"Breakwater against the tide" by Elsdon Craig (993.26)
"Papakura: the years of progress, 1938-1996" by Robyn Yousef (993.26)
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Borough of Papakura / City of Papakura
 The
original crest developed for Papakura Borough Council which came
into being on 1 April 1938 featured a stylised fern and a surveyors
plane table. The fern symbolised the expanse of fern which used to
cover the flat area where the town now stands. The surveying
equipment symbolised the development of the area
On 1 January 1975 because of an increase in population Papakura was
declared a City.
Refs. NZ Gazette, Oct 1974, p2421
“Papakura: years of progress 1938-1996”
by Robyn Yousef (993.26)
Papakura District Council crest
 In
1989 Papakura City became Papakura District.This crest was developed
by Mr Haare Williams for the Papakura District Council with elements
of the old crest being retained in the shape of the shield and the
fern, sash and surveyors plane table being placed in the lower
right-hand quarter.
The four quarters of the shield represent the four wards of Papakura
District – Ardmore, Red Hill, Drury and Pahurehure.
The Koru symbolises Papakura’s social, cultural and geographical
associations with the South Pacific.
The Beehive symbolises industry, nature and the rural elements of
the district and also reminds locals that one of New Zealands most
distinguished sons family were beekeepers in Papakura.
The Hillscape represents Puke-kiwi-riki or Red Hill, the sacred hill
which was once the domain of the Ngati Poa chief, Kiwi.
A fuller explanation of the heraldic symbolism can be
found in “Papakura: the years of progress, 1938-1996” by Robyn
Yousef (993.26)
Papakura District Council flame logo
This logo was launched on 12 October 2000.
Originally the brand for the now disbanded Papakura District
Enterprise Board and Papakura District Business Association it has
now been adopted as the Papakura District Council logo
 The
flame symbolises the red earth of Puki-kiwi-riki and surrounding
area , the Pahurehure Inlet the Manukau Harbour, and the Papakura
countryside.
According to a newspaper report “the new brand represents the spirit
and energy of Papakura”
(Ref.)”Our Town Papakura”, Monday 23 Oct 2000, pg.7
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The first public library in Papakura
In 1879 a small subscription library was formed in Papakura. It was
run by a Board of Trustees and only subscribers, those residents who
paid a small fee, could use the library.
 According
to a report in the New Zealand Herald in 1902 the number of
subscribers for that year was 42, with 109 new books being added to
the library during the year.
The library was in a prosperous state with receipts amounting to
£22.18.6 and expediture of £19.3.3
The Town Board took over this library in 1914. The library was
housed in the municipal building which was
situated on land where the Papakura War Memorial now stands.
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