| Mauku | |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | New Zealand |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Auckland Region |
| Subdivision Type2: | Ward |
| Subdivision Name2: | Franklin ward |
| Subdivision Type3: | Board |
| Subdivision Name3: | Franklin Local Board |
| Leader Title: | Territorial Authority |
| Leader Name: | Auckland Council |
| Seat Type: | Electorates |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
Mauku is a settlment located west of Pukekohe in New Zealand.
Mauku was the first settlement in the Franklin area west of Pukekohe. It was settled 1854,[1] at the mouth of a stream that led into the Manukau Harbour as this provided access to Onehunga. With the development of roads and the forests cleared the settlement moved inland.[2] It was originally the most important settlement in the area; Pukekohe and Patumahoe did not have European settlement and Waiuku had only a few settlers.[3]
Mauku was the first settlement in the Franklin area to have a church. St Bride's Church was opened on the 14th, July, 1861.[4]
In July 1863 the Invasion of the Waikato began and settlers in Mauku became worried about an attack from hostile Māori. The women and children of Mauku evacuated to Auckland and a stockade was constructed around St Bride's to serve as a military outpost. Up to 2,000 men were based at the church at one point. Mauku was also the base of the Forest Rangers during the war.[5]
The Mauku Historical Cemetery is located 4km (02miles) north of the settlement.[6]
Mauku was originally governed by the Mauku Road District Board before amalgamating with Franklin County in 1913.[7]