[citation needed] By the late 19th century, Auckland City was plagued with seasonal water droughts.

A number of options were considered to counter this, including the construction of water reservoirs in the Waitākere Ranges.

A tramway was constructed between the Waitākere Falls site and the township, in order to transport supplied from the Swanson railway station.

The landslip caused the dam to burst, flooding the Waitākere River valley and scattering timber and construction tools.

Between the 1910s and 1950s, most members of Te Kawerau ā Maki moved away from their traditional rohe in search of employment or community with other Māori.