Laingholm is a small community situated in the Waitakere Ranges

Waitakere Ranges

The Waitakere Ranges are a chain of hills in the Auckland metropolitan area, generally running approximately 25 km from north to south, 25 km west of central Auckland, New Zealand. The maximum elevation within the ranges is 474 m...

 west of Auckland

Auckland

The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...

, in one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand. It is part of Waitakere City, New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

's first "eco-city".

The population was 2,490 in the 2006 Census

New Zealand Census of Population and Dwellings

The New Zealand government department Statistics New Zealand conducts a census of population and dwellings every five years. The census scheduled for 2011 was cancelled due to circumstances surrounding the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, however, and legislation introduced to hold the next...

, an increase of 33 from 2001.

The name is derived from George and John Laing, who farmed the area starting in 1854, before it was subdivided. Celebrations were held in 2003 for the 150th anniversary of European settlement.

Laingholm is characterised by its natural beauty; it is located on the shores of the Manukau Harbour and nestled within the picturesque Waitakere Ranges, it offers one of the few opportunities left in the Auckland region to live in a natural environment. Most houses are surrounded by native bush. Originally a holiday destination, holiday homes were built in the early part of the century after the original farmland was sold off in lots. With the improvements in roads, increases in car ownership and expansion of Auckland, Laingholm is now in easy commuting distance of the central city.

Education

Laingholm School is a coeducational contributing primary (years 1-6) school with a decile rating

Socio-Economic Decile

Decile, Socio-Economic Decile or Socio-Economic Decile Band is a widely used measure in education in New Zealand used to target funding and support to more needy schools....

of 10 and a roll of 324. The school was founded in 1950.