Pukekawa is one of 53 volcanic centres that have erupted in the Auckland region in the last 200,000 years. The largest and most recent eruption was Rangitoto, only about 600 years ago.
It is thought that Auckland's volcanoes first began to appear around 200,000 years ago, starting with the eruptions of Onepoto Domain and Pupuke. In the City itself, the oldest eruption sites are probably the Domain and Albert Park volcanoes.
Which brings us to an interesting point: living on an active volcanic field may not sound like a very bright thing to do, but volcanoes are actually a big part of Auckland's success as a city. Volcanic soil is fertile; volcanic rocks are sturdy building materials and form natural water reservoirs. And, last but not least, volcanoes are beautiful.