Three useful books trace the general history of the area:
Griffen, Andrew D.
Early days in Mount Roskill South and how to become a successful strawberry-grower. (1957)
The author features early Pakeha settlers in the area such as the Barthows, Ashs and Mays. Dairy, poultry and pig farming, along with market gardening dominated the area during the earlier part of the twentieth century. Strawberry farming began around 1912.
McConnell, Peter.
People & progress, a study of place names in the Mount Roskill Borough. (1983)
By far the most comprehensive, this covers the early settlement of the area, profiles many early settlers, describes the history of Wesley College and the Mount Roskill Highway District from 1867, and the development of the Wesley, Winstone, Epsom and Hillsborough housing estates. The Lynfield housing estate dated from the release of Auckland Harbour Board land in the 1960s. The author also gives copious details on the origin of the different street names in the area.
Roskill, an illustrated history of New Zealand's largest borough. (1984)
An extremely well illustrated work, with brief descriptions with the historical photographs and maps used.
Auckland star article:
There is also a significant article on the history of Mount Roskill, city-size suburb, in a supplement to the The Auckland star of 10 January 1958. This was issued towards the end of the substantial post-war housing development in the area, and illustrates the change from predominantly agricultural to residential. There are some light industrial areas, particularly around May Road.
Council archives:
The Mount Roskill borough was formed in 1947.
Auckland City Archives has records for the Mount Roskill Road Board and Council 1868 - 1989. | 
