Upper Moores Valley in Wainuiomata located near Whitemans Valley, is a seldom visited area earmarked for high density housing.
Upper Moores Valley was once covered by a thriving old-growth forest. Between 1906 and the 1910s, the trees were cleared, turning the area into pastureland.
The land became known as Cairnbrook Farm, named after David Cairns (1863–1942), a farmer in Wainuiomata from 1904 to 1909. One of his daughters married into the Wood family.
Over time, gorse gradually overtook the pasture, and despite at least one attempt to clear it, the gorse has returned with a vengeance as of 2024.
The land is now owned by a housing development company, believed to be landbanking the area while awaiting legal approval for higher-density housing development than is currently allowed. It’s important to note that while their is the potential for housing development, any specific projects in Upper Moores Valley would still be subject to further planning processes, including community consultation and environmental assessments.
