HELENSVILLE Helensville is sited 40 kilometres northwest of Auckland, close to the southern extremity of the Kaipara Harbour. From a geographic perspective Helensville is closer to Auckland than Orewa, but whereas Orewa is considered a dormitory suburb, Helensville is a country town out west. That said the towns future is very good. Helensville is being discovered. Helensville is an old town whose proud history is now coming through, there are many turn of the century buildings in Helensville that now carry trust protection. The Kaipara River runs through the town and into the Kaipara Harbour to the north. The population was 2,600 and growing and there is a strong sense of community. Over recent years, from an economic perspective has not matched the rest of the country. This now changing and many positive signs are emerging. Helensville is also the name of the electorate where John Key is both the sitting member and Prime Minister. The first European settlers in the district were Scottish timber millers. The initial development of the town was around the kauri milling industry, but by the start of the 20th century dairying was becoming of increasing importance. It was also becoming somewhat of a tourist centre, owing to the presence of hot springs 3 km to the west of the town at Parakai. The pioneer museum takes you back in time, housed in an historical cottage, the old Helensville Schoolhouse and the old Helensville Courthouse on the River Reserve, at the southern entrance to the town.