Hataitai is on important transport links between the central city and Wellington International Airport, to the south of Evans Bay on the isthmus at Rongotai. It is at the eastern end of the Mount Victoria Tunnel and the bus-only Hataitai Tunnel, built in 1907 for trams, making Hataitai a popular place to live.
Origin of name
The earliest European pioneers in Wellington knew the area that became Hataitai as "Jenkins Estate". The name Hataitai originated with the syndicate which sub-divided it for building in 1901, and derives from Whātaitai, the ancient Maori name for present-day Miramar. The ridge of the hill was thought to represent the petrified remains of the great taniwha Whataitai, one of the two creatures who helped form the harbour of Te Whanganui-a-Tara. When one taniwha broke through the rock that separated the then lake from Cook Strait, the waters rushed out, leaving Whātaitai stranded on rocks. An earthquake later lifted the monster's body into the hills below Tangi Te Keo.
Settlement
Colonial settlement of the area dates from 1841, with land used mainly for farming and grazing. Robert Jenkins acquired a hundred acres of hill pasture. In order to reach it he made a road up Mount Victoria, fenced much of his land and used it for breeding horses. Population was minimal until the late 19th century. In the early days the area was part of Kilbirnie in the Evans Bay district - so the school opened in Moxham Ave in 1884 was called Kilbirnie School. In 1901 the Hataitai Land Company was formed to sell sections on the hillsides north from Waitoa Road, and the area became known as Hataitai. In 1902 the new suburb was advertised by the cutting of gigantic letters spelling 'HATAITAI' in the turf of the town side of Mount Victoria. Many of the streets in Hataitai are named after native trees: Hinau Road, Konini Road, Matai Road, Rata Road, Rewa Road etc. Significant development took place from the early 20th century into the 1950s, spurred by improved access via the Hataitai bus tunnel and the Mt Victoria tunnel. The population increased slightly between 2001 and 2006, a result of new dwellings being added to the area.
Amenities
A small shopping village is centred on Moxham Avenue and Waitoa Road. In 2011 Wellington City Council added Hataitai Village shops to its District Plan list of heritage buildings. The heritage listings mean the buildings are recognised and protected for their heritage value and any major changes to the outside of listed buildings, or demolition of them, would require resource consent. The Victorian precinct is an essential part of Wellington's fabric. Sports facilities include the Badminton Hall on Ruahine Street and Hataitai Park on the Town Belt. Hataitai Park has a velodrome, tennis courts and rugby fields. Other community facilities include a community centre and bowling club, both of which offer venues for community activities, a medical centre, three churches and the Treasure Grove and Waipapa Road Play Areas. In addition, the Alexandra Road Play area is accessible from Hepara Street, with a 180 degree view from Wellington Harbour's Eastbourne to Lyall Bay in the South and only a short walk to the Mount Victoria summit.
Education
Primary schools
Hataitai School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students, with a roll of as of. Kilbirnie School is also a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 6 students, with a roll of.
