Aranga, New Zealand facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aranga
Aranga Location in Northland Region
Country	New Zealand
Region	Northland Region
District	Kaipara District

Aranga is a small place, or 'locality', in the Northland area of New Zealand. A main road, State Highway 12, goes right through it. Aranga is about 47 kilometers (29 miles) northwest of Ōmāpere and 42 kilometers (26 miles) southeast of Dargaville. The Waipoua Forest is to the north. To the west, you'll find Maunganui Bluff and the Tasman Sea. A small village called Aranga Beach is located at the northern end of Ripiro Beach.

Trounson Kauri Park is a large forest reserve, about 586 hectares (1,448 acres) in size. It is located a few kilometers south of Aranga. This park is a special place where you can see giant Kauri trees.

History of Aranga

Aranga was an important place for the kauri gum industry. This industry involved digging up kauri gum, which is like a fossilized resin from kauri trees. People used this gum to make things like varnish. Aranga was a center for this work from 1887 until the late 1940s. It was one of the last places in New Zealand where kauri gum was still being collected.

From 1890 to 1900, a flax mill also operated in Aranga. A flax mill is a factory where flax plants are processed to make fibers. These fibers were then used to create ropes, mats, and other products.

Local Culture

The local Waikarā Marae is a special traditional meeting place for the Te Roroa people. The Te Roroa are a Māori iwi, or tribe, from this area. The marae includes a meeting house called Te Uaua. Marae are important cultural centers where people gather for ceremonies, discussions, and celebrations.

Education

Aranga School is a school in the area that teaches students from year 1 to year 8. This means it's a full primary school. The school celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005, which is a big milestone!