According to the oral traditions of the local Māori hapū (sub-tribe), Ngāti Kahu-o-Torongare, Te Kamo was an ancestor who resided in the now-eponymous area and the wider region.

Considered an introvert, Te Kamo worked in the background to ensure the prosperity and safety of his people, including organising trade with other hapū from coastal areas.

In 2023, the name of the suburb was officially changed to Te Kamo by the New Zealand Geographic Board.

Tunnelling first started in 1875, but it was not practical to carry the coal over the unmetalled roads to Whangārei wharf.

In 1882 a short railway line was completed between Kamo and Whangārei to carry the coal.

[9] Kamo became a Town District in 1884, at which point it had a population of 410, slightly smaller than Whangārei.

[10] The town was known for its hot springs in the early 20th century, although several people died of suffocation in covered baths between 1901 and 1920.

[13] Parakiore is a volcanic dome rising to a height of 391 metres (1,283 ft) to the northwest of Kamo.

[30] All Blacks Bunny Finlayson, Bevan Holmes and Ian Jones played for Kamo Rugby Club as did Auckland Blues player Justin Collins and Auckland Blues coach Peter Sloane.

Michael Hill (Jeweller and Entrepreneur) attended Kamo High School.

Stacey Michelsen (Black Stick) attended Kamo Intermediate School Ross Ihaka, Pickering Award recipient and co-originator of the R programming language, attended Kamo High School.

Park Kyung, a rapper and composer from South Korean boy group Block B, attended Kamo High School.