Mangamuka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mangamuka
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 Mangamuka
Location in Northland Region
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Far North District |
Mangamuka is a beautiful area in Northland, New Zealand. It is located where the Mangamuka and Opurehu Rivers join together. The main road, State Highway 1, runs right through this area. The small settlement called Mangamuka Bridge is found where the highway crosses the Mangamuka River. This river flows into the top part of the Hokianga Harbour. Just a bit to the north-west, the highway goes through the Mangamuka Gorge in the Maungataniwha Range. The town of Umawera is located to the south-east.
The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage explains that the name Mangamuka means "stream of the furled shoot of the nīkau plant."
Contents
Mangamuka's Past and Culture
Early History and Important Events
A famous Ngāpuhi chief named Hongi Hika was hurt during a small fight near the Mangamuka River in January 1829. He was injured in his chest, and this injury sadly led to his death later on.
The first European surveyor to explore the Mangamuka River was named von Sturmer. The very first European settlement in this area was at Tutekehua in 1874. This was downstream from where Mangamuka Bridge is today. The early settlers worked hard to clear the land. They planted fruit trees and grew grain. They even built a factory that made canned fruit and jam, but this factory is no longer there.
Marae: Meeting Places for the Community
A marae is a special meeting place for Māori people. The local Mangamuka Marae and its meeting house are connected to the Ngāpuhi hapū (sub-tribes) called Kōhatutaka and Te Uri Māhoe.
There is also another marae called Te Arohanui or Mangataipa Marae, with its meeting house named Te Arohanui. This marae is connected to both the Ngāpuhi hapū of Kōhatutaka and Te Uri Māhoe. It is also linked to Te Rarawa's hapū of Kōhatutaka, Tahāwai, and Te Ihutai.
Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary: Giant Trees
The Mangamuka Forest was lucky because many of its huge kauri trees were saved from being cut down during the logging days. In 1952, the Omahuta Kauri Sanctuary was created. This sanctuary allows people to visit and see these amazing trees. Wooden walkways were built to help protect the tree roots and keep visitors' feet dry. A walk through the sanctuary usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Learning in Mangamuka
Mangamuka School is a school for both boys and girls. It teaches primary students from years 1 to 6. The school has about 24 students.
