The orchestra was established in 1974 by Eric Craig MBE and the  incorporated society was formed two years later in   1976 with the  objectives - to establish and maintain a symphony orchestra of   young  people and to promote and foster music in the community, particularly    among young people.

The   Orchestra rehearsed and performed both locally and overseas until  the early   1980s when the number of members became insufficient to  maintain the consistent   high level and quality of performance that had  been accomplished.

The   orchestra remained in recess from the mid 1980s until the beginning of 2000 when   it was re-established by Joseph Allan. One year later a new group for younger   string players was formed called the Manukau Youth Orchestra Junior Strings.