Mangere Bridge Today

Mangere Bridge Village is an example of "average" New Zealand (see Census 2001 data; Statistics New Zealand), and it has a mix of people from many different backgrounds, ages, ethnicity and socio-economic status.

In the 2001 Census, the area was broken down into 2 :

1. Ambury, which covers the area west of Wallace Rd towards Ambury Farm and Kiwi Esplanade, and north of Creamery Rd just north of the Villa Maria Winery; and

2. Mangere Bridge, which covers the area east of Wallace Rd, down Kirkbride Rd, past the cemetery and back up the main road and from Walmsley Rd along Tarata Creek to the water.

This area is slightly bigger than what many people consider to be the traditional Mangere Bridge area. Originally the area south of the Mountain was classified as "Mangere Mountain" but this distinction seems to have disappeared.

Summary of Census 2001 data (NZ Department of Statistics)

Total population was 8,649 people in 2,778 households (Ambury 3,165 in 1,062 households, and Mangere Bridge 5,484 in 1,719). The age profile reflected that of New Zealand with a relatively older population than the rest of Manukau City. The qualification profile is not greatly different from that of New Zealand.

The ethnic profiles do differ, with Ambury having a higher level of Europeans (69.6%) than Manukau City, which at 51.6% is close to that of the Mangere Bridge census area (53.6%). The levels of other ethnicities reflect Manukau City closer than it does the overall New Zealand population.

The median income level in Ambury is higher (approx. $23,000), and in Mangere Bridge practically equal to both that of Manukau City and New Zealand (approx. all $19,000). Annual spending for households in Ambury (approx. $49,000) was similar to that for Manukau City and for Mangere Bridge similar to that of NZ (approx. $43,000).

Unemployment rates were below those of Manukau City. The majority of dwellings is owned with or without a mortgage (average 69%, with 75% in Ambury and 65% in Mangere Bridge, compared to 65% for Manukau and 68% for New Zealand).

Putting Mangere Bridge on the map
Click to open a road map of Mangere Bridge

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