In the 1850s, century Silverdale (then known as The Wade) was established as a port for transportingkauri logs to Auckland.[4] Stillwater was also used as a secondary landing to transport logs, kauri gum and later fruit produce from orchards established on cleared land at Stillwater, Silverdale and Dairy Flat. As there was no roading sea was the only form of transport available. The last shipment of kauri gum to leave Stillwater was in 1890. The pack horse tracks from Dairy Flat are still clearly visible on the Weiti Station property.[citation needed] The earliest European name for the area was Five Fingers, in reference to the many sandspits found along the Weiti River.[5]
The earliest settler in the Stillwater area was Ranulph Dacre, who began timber felling in 1848.[5] Dacre was followed by Andrew Weatherspoon Thorburn and his family in 1852. Part of his original holding is now a reserve and memorial park bequeathed on their farm.[citation needed] Several houses were built on the river's edge in the early days as more land was cleared and made available for farming. Some live stock was introduced, but fruit from orchards seemed to be the major produce transported to Auckland from Stillwater.[citation needed]
Other early settlers included the Percy, Blackshaw and McPike brothers families.[citation needed] In 1950 the McPike brothers subdivided their farm to form what has become the Stillwater settlement known today. After the Second World War the motor camp was developed and a road from East Coast Road constructed. Prior to this there existed only a farm track to Stillwater with a ford crossing at Doctor's Creek. The original bridge built was gradually improved over the years to the two lane concrete bridge today.[citation needed]
In 1958, a residential subdivision was constructed in the area, bringing more residents. This is the point when Stillwater was adopted as the name of the settlement.[5] In 1980 the Council began tar-sealing the road. In 1985 Stillwater was connected to the Whangaparaoa sewerage system and more substantial houses were built in the area. By the year 2000, most of the power and telephone cables were put underground and footpaths formed the length of Stillwater Crescent. Houses were built on almost all the original sections developed and Stillwater could no longer be called a holiday resort; it had become a well established marine suburb.[citation needed]
In time Coastal Heights was developed followed by the adjoining Inlet Views property and new coastal development is taking place over the river opposite the Stillwater Boat Club. Buildings continue to appear as land is cleared.[citation needed]
In late 2022, construction began on a new motorway between the Auckland Northern Motorway and the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, crossing the Weiti River at Stillwater and connecting the township to the Auckland motorways network.[6] The road is projected to open in 2026.[7]
Demographics
Statistics New Zealand describes Stillwater as a rural settlement, which covers 0.44 km2 (0.17 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 1,040 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 2,364 people per km2. The settlement was part of the larger Silverdale South statistical area before the 2023 census.[8]
Stillwater had a population of 975 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 108 people (12.5%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 159 people (19.5%) since the 2006 census. There were 345 households, comprising 513 males and 465 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.1 males per female, with 201 people (20.6%) aged under 15 years, 147 (15.1%) aged 15 to 29, 528 (54.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 96 (9.8%) aged 65 or older.
Ethnicities were 93.5% European/Pākehā, 8.3% Māori, 0.3% Pacific peoples, 4.6% Asian, and 1.2% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.
Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 65.2% had no religion, 25.5% were Christian, 0.3% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.3% were Muslim and 2.2% had other religions.
Of those at least 15 years old, 168 (21.7%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 78 (10.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 195 people (25.2%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 492 (63.6%) people were employed full-time, 120 (15.5%) were part-time, and 12 (1.6%) were unemployed.[9]
