Howick
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HOWICK
Region: Auckland Regional Council
Territorial Authority : Auckland
| English | blazon wanted |
Origin/meaning
Although the Howick coat of arms was widely used over the years, Howick Borough Council never submitted the design to the Royal College of Arms in London for approval. It has thus never had official status.
In 1953 the Howick Progressive Association held a competition to design a coat of arms for the newly formed Borough of Howick. Auckland artist Hilda Wiseman's entry was judged the winner. Howick Borough Council formally adopted her design on 13 October 1953. After some controversy, it reconfirmed its decision in February 1955.
The arms represent the first European settlers in Howick: the cannon refers to the origin of the village of Howick as a military settlement; the well signifies the importance of water to the first settlers - each family had its own acre of land and its own well; the medieval ship or cog represents the sailing ship 'Minerva', which brought the first families to Howick in 1847.
The scallop shell on the crest symbolizes the seaside location of Howick, and perhaps also the availability of shellfish, a food source for both Māori and Europeans. It is also the emblem of St James, which is worn by many pilgrims, and thus refers to the immigrant status of all New Zealanders. Beneath the shell is a short length of rope, its two strands representing the interdependence of Maori and Europeans.
The motto 'To serve with good will' is adapted from the motto of Sir Henry George Grey (1802-1894), Viscount Howick, afterwards third Earl Grey, who was Secretary of State for the Colonies at the time of Howick's settlement.
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© since 1995, Heraldry of the World, Ralf Hartemink 
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Literature : Information Auckland City Library (https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/photos/id/40171/)