Cape Egmont facts for kids
Cape Egmont is the most western point of the Taranaki area in New Zealand. It sits on the west coast of the North Island. This cape divides the Northern and Southern Taranaki Bights. It is also very close to the volcano known as Mount Taranaki.
This important cape has had two names. In 1642, a Dutch explorer named Abel Tasman called it Kaap Pieter Boreel. Later, in 1769, the British explorer James Cook renamed it Cape Egmont. Cook also named the nearby mountain Mount Egmont. He chose this name to honor the Earl of Egmont. The Earl's family had Dutch roots.
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History of Cape Egmont
Early Naming of the Cape
The first European to see this cape was Abel Tasman in 1642. He was a Dutch explorer. Tasman named it Kaap Pieter Boreel. However, he could not see the large mountain nearby because of bad weather.
James Cook's Renaming
In 1769, another famous explorer, James Cook, arrived. He could see the tall mountain clearly. Cook named the mountain Mount Egmont. He then gave the same name, Cape Egmont, to the nearby land point. This name has stayed ever since. Cook named both after the Earl of Egmont. The Earl's family had Dutch ancestors.
Important Meeting at Kapoaiaia
In July 1862, a very important meeting took place near Cape Egmont. It was at a place called Kapoaiaia. About 600 members of several Māori groups gathered there. These groups included Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, and Whanganui Māori. They met to talk about the First Taranaki War, which had happened from 1860 to 1861.
At this meeting, they all agreed on important points. They stated that lands around New Plymouth, like Tataraimaka and Waitara, belonged to Māori. They also decided that if European settlers tried to build a road south of Waireka Hill, it would be seen as an act of war. This meeting showed the strong unity and determination of the Māori people.
Cape Egmont Lighthouse
Lighthouse History
The Cape Egmont Lighthouse is a well-known landmark. It was not always at Cape Egmont. Its first home was on Mana Island. Mana Island is located near Porirua.
Relocation to Cape Egmont
In 1877, the lighthouse was moved. It was taken from Mana Island and rebuilt at Cape Egmont. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely along the coast.
