50 Years of Westfield Manukau: A Walk Down Memory Lane

For five decades, Westfield Manukau has been part of life in the south, growing and changing alongside our community and becoming a place where generations of families have come together, celebrated milestones, met friends and made memories.

Whether you remember us as Manukau City Centre, Westfield Manukau City or Westfield Manukau, the name may have changed over the years, but one thing has stayed the same. This has always been a place for the community. A place to shop, catch up, celebrate, grab a bite, watch a movie or simply spend time together.

We are celebrating our 50th Birthday in October, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! While we prepare some exciting surprises, take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the key moments that have shaped our story.

1966 - Laying the Foundations

Manukau City Council purchased land in the Wiri area to develop a new administrative and commercial centre for the fast-growing district. This marked the beginnings of what would become Manukau City Centre.

1972 - Manukau City Centre is Built

Construction of the Manukau City Centre mall was completed by Fletcher Construction, laying the groundwork for what would soon become a major retail and community hub for South Auckland.

Source: Kura Auckland Libraries (Opening Day Invitation Image)

1976 - Grand Opening

On 20 October 1976, Manukau City Centre officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the rapidly growing South Auckland community. The centre quickly became a focal point for the local community, bringing shopping, services and people together in the heart of Manukau.

1976 - The Rainbow

That same year, a large stained glass window called The Rainbow was installed above the main food court atrium. Designed by artist Shona McFarlane and built by Roy Miller of Miller Studios, it's made up of 40 panels and measures 12 by 4 metres — one of the largest stained glass windows in New Zealand, taking almost a year to complete.

The design depicts interlacing rainbows over the Manukau Harbour and surrounding landscape, with a daytime scene of clouds, houses and hills balanced against a night sky and moon on the opposite side. It's positioned to catch the afternoon sun, casting colour across the food court floor and pillars below.

*Shona McFarlane, ‘The Rainbow’ (1976), Westfield Manukau City Mall, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Image: Bronwyn Holloway-Smith, Public Art Heritage Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021*

Read more about the artwork history here.

1986 - First Major Redevelopment

Under then-owner National Mutual, the centre underwent its first significant redevelopment, expanding the retail offering to keep pace with Manukau's rapid growth.

1992 - Second Major Redevelopment

A further redevelopment took place under owner Fletcher Challenge, growing the centre further as Manukau cemented its place as one of New Zealand's fastest-growing urban areas.

2001 - Westfield Era Begins

In 2001, the centre was acquired by the Westfield Group and rebranded as Westfield Manukau City, entering a new chapter in its story.

2007 - $70 Million Redevelopment

Westfield completed a NZ$70 million redevelopment of the centre, with the grand opening taking place on Thursday 29 November 2007. The redevelopment expanded the centre to more than 170 stores and created space for over 1,400 staff, further establishing Westfield Manukau as one of the largest shopping destinations in South Auckland.

The redevelopment included 10 cinemas, 2,000m² of additional retail space and a 2,200m² two-storey suspended car park, with provision for future expansion. It also included refurbishment of parts of the existing centre, bringing together new and refreshed spaces for the community to enjoy.

Today and Tomorrow

For 50 years, Westfield Manukau’s story has been shaped by the people who shop, work, celebrate and spend time here. Today, the centre is home to over 170 stores, anchored by Farmers, Woolworths and Event Cinemas — and we’re celebrating this milestone by looking back at the memories we’ve shared and looking ahead to what’s next.

From Monday 19 October – Saturday 24 October, come and celebrate our 50th Brthday in centre. Step into our Memory Tunnel and take a journey through Westfield Manukau’s history, featuring moments and memories from across the past five decades.

Throughout the week, you can also enjoy an always-on kids’ zone, photo booth and claw machine, plus a lineup of live performances on our Centre Court stage.

Event details

Dates: Monday 19 October – Saturday 24 October

Times: Centre open hours, with live performances scheduled throughout the week

Location: Level G, Centre Court

What’s on: Memory Tunnel, kids’ zone, photo booth, claw machine and live performances

Whether you’ve been visiting us for 50 years or you’re making your first memories here, we’d love for you to be part of the celebration.

Find out what’s happening for our 50th Brthday here