Galatea, New Zealand facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Galatea
Kuhawaea (Māori)
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Locality
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Galatea, looking southwest along the Ikawhenua range
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty |
| Territorial authority | Whakatāne District |
| Ward | Te Urewera General Ward |
| Community | Murupara Community |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 102.65 km2 (39.63 sq mi) |
| Population
(2018 Census)
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| • Total | 444 |
| • Density | 4.325/km2 (11.203/sq mi) |
Galatea (also known as Kuhawaea in Māori) is a small community located in the Whakatāne District of the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealand's North Island. It sits in a wide, flat area called the Galatea Plains.
To the east, you can see the beautiful forested hills and mountains of the Ikawhenua Range, with Mount Tāwhiuau standing tall. To the west, across the Rangitaiki River, stretches the huge Kaingaroa Forest, which is about 120,000 acres (486 square kilometers) in size.
Contents
Who Lives in Galatea?
Galatea is a small but friendly community. In 2018, about 444 people lived in the main settlement area. The population has stayed quite steady over the years.
What is the Population Like?
The people living in Galatea are a mix of different backgrounds. In 2018, most residents were of European (Pākehā) heritage, but a good number were also Māori. There were also smaller groups of Pacific Peoples and Asian New Zealanders. This mix makes Galatea a diverse place!
The median age in Galatea was 33.9 years in 2018. This means half the people were younger than 33.9 and half were older. About 27% of the population was under 15 years old, which means there are lots of kids and young people in the area.
Exploring Galatea's Geography
The Galatea Plains are surrounded by interesting natural features. The southern edge of the plains is marked by the Whirinaki River. This river flows down from Te Urewera and joins the Rangitāiki River near the town of Murupara.
Fort Galatea's Location
A few miles downstream from Murupara, on the western side of the Rangitāiki River, you'll find the historic Fort Galatea. From this high spot, police officers used to watch the paths used by many Māori traveling to and from the coast near Whakatāne.
To the north, the Ikawhenua hills get lower and closer to the Rangitāiki River. This leaves just enough space for a road, known as "Snake Hill," to connect the valley to the Rangitāiki Plains.
Galatea's Climate
Galatea has a mild climate. Here's a quick look at the average temperatures:
| Climate data for Galatea (1991–2020) | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 24.0 (75.2) |
24.0 (75.2) |
21.9 (71.4) |
18.7 (65.7) |
15.7 (60.3) |
13.3 (55.9) |
12.6 (54.7) |
13.6 (56.5) |
15.4 (59.7) |
17.7 (63.9) |
19.9 (67.8) |
22.2 (72.0) |
18.3 (64.9) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 18.4 (65.1) |
18.6 (65.5) |
16.3 (61.3) |
13.1 (55.6) |
10.1 (50.2) |
8.0 (46.4) |
7.2 (45.0) |
8.3 (46.9) |
10.3 (50.5) |
12.5 (54.5) |
14.5 (58.1) |
16.9 (62.4) |
12.9 (55.1) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 12.8 (55.0) |
13.2 (55.8) |
10.6 (51.1) |
7.5 (45.5) |
4.5 (40.1) |
2.6 (36.7) |
1.8 (35.2) |
3.0 (37.4) |
5.2 (41.4) |
7.2 (45.0) |
9.0 (48.2) |
11.9 (53.4) |
7.4 (45.4) |
| Source: NIWA | |||||||||||||
A Glimpse into Galatea's Past
The area around Galatea has a rich history, especially with the Māori tribes who have lived here for a very long time.
Early Māori Life
The coastal areas of the Bay of Plenty were settled by various Māori tribes who arrived in canoes from the islands of Polynesia. These groups would fish when the season was right, then travel inland to hunt birds, gather fern roots, and catch eels. During these times, they would reach places like Waiōhau, Galatea, Murupara, and Te Whāiti.
Trading and Tribal Relations
When European trading ships began visiting more often, the Māori people from Galatea would travel down the river to trade goods. Flax was a very important item they traded for things like axes, spades, hoes, and later, guns and clothing.
The main tribe in the Galatea area was Ngāti Manawa. Their neighbors in the nearby Urewera forests were the Ngāi Tūhoe, often called the "Children of the Mist." Sometimes, the Ngāi Tūhoe would raid the Ngāti Manawa, even forcing them out of the area.
A powerful chief named Pōmare from the Ngāpuhi tribe in Northland used to travel south to fight with the Bay of Plenty tribes. After attacking villages on the plains, he would chase the Tūhoe back into the Urewera hills. Eventually, a meeting between a Tūhoe chief and Pōmare led to peace between their tribes.
The Pai Mārire Religion and Conflicts
In 1865, a new religion called Pai Mārire was introduced to the Bay of Plenty. Some people accepted it, but it also led to conflicts. There was hostility towards European settlers, known as "pākehā," and some unfortunate incidents occurred.
This is when Fort Galatea became important. The fort was named after a ship, HMS Galatea, which was visiting New Zealand at the time. Soldiers were stationed at the fort, ready to go into the Urewera forests to deal with groups involved in the conflicts.
One important figure was Te Kooti. He was captured after a battle and sent as a prisoner to the Chatham Islands. However, he and other prisoners escaped, took a ship, and returned to the mainland. Te Kooti became a leader and prophet of a new religion called Ringatū, and he continued to lead his followers in conflicts.
Learning in Galatea
Galatea has its own school, which is important for the community.
Galatea School
Galatea School is a public primary school for students from Year 1 to Year 8 (ages 5 to 13). It opened in 1935 and helps educate the children of Galatea. As of 2023, the school has about 106 students.
