Some of the earliest records in the Auckland Council Archives belong to the highway and road boards.  The primary objective of these boards was to provide transport infrastructure, which enabled the districts to develop. 

As infrastructure allowed the development of communities, the boards played their part in community activities and events that affected the lives of people in the district. Road boards lobbied for community constables, supported the building of district halls and, in some districts, were instrumental in the creation of schools and libraries.

The boards were stepping stones in the organisation of local government and their work in developing roading across the region laid a foundation for future development.

This article provides a brief overview of the boards, their activities and the research value of their records.