Historically Laingholm was farmed by the Laing family, whose home was situated at the southern end of Laingholm Beach. “Roseneath” was the Laing homestead until the 1920s. Laing, a Scottish surname, and Holm from the Scottish spelling of Old Norse meaning “water meadow” gave the area its name. Prior to the 1920s the area was known as Roseneath.
In the late 1800s, the surrounding districts of Titirangi and Big Muddy Creek developed with the improved access to New Lynn and Auckland. By the 1920s metal roads were graded out to the Laingholm beach providing better access. Boat access from Onehunga was also possible. There was even a local bus service from the Titirangi kiosk – later to become the site for Hotel Titirangi, now the Lopdell Precinct.
The Laing estate was eventually subdivided into 474 sections, with sections ranging from 25 pounds for steep hillside sites to 150 pounds for section number 213 on the beachfront, and 250 pounds for section number 474 on the south-east point, according to Norman Laing's book The Settlement of the Huia.
The sales brochure touted Laingholm as “Unique, having an easterly aspect, sheltered from the westerly winds, without Summer heat or Winter cold; a rest for the weary, a place where children can enjoy life under natural conditions; where the nerve-racked business man and the tired wife and mother my both obtain repose, and gain renewed strength...”
Perhaps not so much has changed after all!
For some great historic photos visit http://www.geocities.ws/czcunningham/history.html
Photo: "Roseneath" http://www.localhistoryonline.org.nz/cgi-bin/PUI?a=d&d=waim-JTD-09A-00798
