Kaiaua

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Kaiaua
Coastline at Whakatīwai, with Kaiaua in far distance
Coastline at Whakatīwai, with Kaiaua in far distance
Coordinates: 37°06′40″S 175°17′46″E / 37.111°S 175.296°E / -37.111; 175.296
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato
DistrictHauraki District
Population
 (2013)
 • Total789
Postcode(s)
2473
Hauraki Rail Trail at Kaiaua
Torea Mangu Oystercatcher sculpture

Kaiaua is a small coastal settlement on the Seabird Coast, on the western shore of the Firth of Thames, in the Hauraki District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is 80km (60 minutes drive) from Auckland.

Name[]

The name of the settlement is of Māori origin, meaning "Eating mullets" (kai: to eat; aua: mullet or herrings) [1] relating to the good fishing grounds in the area.[2] Kaiaua was known as 'New Brighton' by the early settlers but the name was changed to Kaiaua in 1897.[3]

Tourism[]

The Hauraki Rail Trail officially starts at Kaiaua and traces the coastline south along the Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international significance. It is one of the Great Rides of the New Zealand Cycle Trail system [4] The route incorporates a coastal bird watching area and Miranda Hot Springs.[5]

The area is popular with campers and there is a designated freedom camping area just north of the Kaiaua village.[6]

A boat-ramp is also available for fishing enthusiasts.[7]

Notable features[]

The Torea Mangu Oystercatcher sculpture is the world's largest sculpture of an oystercatcher. It stands between the Pink Shop Seaside Store and Kaiaua School. Over 4 metres long and 3.5 metres tall, the 2.5 ton bird is constructed of ferro-cement. The sculpture is by local artist Tony Johnston and represents the mother of all oystercatchers. In Māori 'torea mangu' means black oystercatcher. Erected facing north east, the direction of prevailing winds, the sculpture symbolises the wildlife of The Firth of Thames.[8]

Population[]

Kaiaua and its surrounds, including Miranda and Whakatīwai, had a population of 789 at the 2013 New Zealand census, an increase of 123 people since the 2006 census. There were 402 males and 384 females. Figures have been rounded and may not add up to totals.[9] 84.1% were European/Pākehā, 25.5% were Māori, 2.4% were Pacific peoples and 1.6% were Asian.[10]

Education[]

Kaiaua School was first established in 1883.[11] It is a co-educational state primary school,[12] with a roll of 28 as of November 2021.[13][14]

References[]

  1. ^ https://nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/maori-language-week/1000-maori-place-names
  2. ^ "Infomap 346-01 Te Ika a Māui Edition 1 1995". Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand.
  3. ^ Startup, R.M. (1993). New Zealand Post Offices, Whenuapai. p. 105.
  4. ^ "Pūkorokoro-Miranda to Thames". haurakirailtrail.co.nz. New Zealand Cycle Trail.
  5. ^ "Kaiaua to Thames" (PDF). haurakirailtrail.co.nz. New Zealand Cycle Trail.
  6. ^ "Freedom Camping". Hauraki District Council.
  7. ^ "Boat ramps in Seabird Coast". Auckland Council. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
  8. ^ Woodley, Keith (February 2005). "Torea mangu" (PDF). Miranda News (56): 9. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  9. ^ 2013 Census QuickStats about a place  : Kaiaua
  10. ^ 2013 Census QuickStats about a place (Cultural diversity) : Kaiaua
  11. ^ Centennial Committee (1983). Kaiaua Miranda Schools Centennial, 1883–1983. p. 4.
  12. ^ "Ministry of Education School Profile". educationcounts.govt.nz. Ministry of Education.
  13. ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  14. ^ "Education Review Office Report". ero.govt.nz. Education Review Office.

External links[]

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