The grapes symbolise viticulture, a principal activity in the City. The bulls head denotes dairy farming in the region. The heraldic tower symbolises the growth of the City. The gold and black ermine spots symbolise the district's prosperity and revers the dignity of civic office. The robed hand holding an orb is a symbol of civic authority. The narrow cuff of natural ermine denotes that it is the sleeve of a robe of office.

On the original grant, there is a motto "Te Pai Me Te Whairawa", which translated means "The Goodness and the Wealth".

The coat of arms of Waitakere City were granted on 30 October 1973. They were originally granted to the former Waitemata County Council, which became Waitemata City in 1974, then Waitakere City in 1989.

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