The West Coast Gazette was one of the first newspapers to emerge in West Auckland following the end of World War II, with its first issue published in March 1949. Founded by Noel E. Roseman in Glen Eden, it was initially printed monthly by his imprint Suburban Publishers in Mt Roskill, though it later switched to A.B.C. Printing Company of Auckland.

The Gazette circulated throughout West Auckland, including Henderson, Glen Eden, Kumeu, Te Atatū, Swanson, Huapai, Massey, Ranui, and Hobsonville. The first two years of the newspaper do not survive—the first extant issue is from 9 March 1951, when the newspaper likely switched to fortnightly production. The Gazette began as an extended tabloid but on 11 May 1951 enlarged to a Ciner format, midway between a tabloid and a broadsheet. This only lasted until 18 October, when it shrunk back to its former dimensions. After the 23 February 1952 issue, the West Coast Gazette was rebranded the Waitakere Gazette, presumably to better reflect its distribution area.

No issues have been located for 1949 and 1950.