Mangatāwhiri River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mangatāwhiri River |
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Mangatāwhiri River between the old and new Great South Rd bridges
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Waikato River |
| Length | 20 km (12 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 104 km2 (40 sq mi) |
The Mangatāwhiri River is a river of the Auckland and Waikato regions of New Zealand's North Island. It flows generally southwest from its sources in the Hunua Ranges southeast of Clevedon before flowing through a system of irrigation canals at the northern edge of the Waikato Plains close to the town of Pokeno. It reaches the Waikato River close to the township of Mercer.
The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "Tāwhiri tree stream" for Mangatāwhiri.
The upper reaches of the Mangatāwhiri are dammed to form reservoirs to store water for use by Auckland City.
History
Under the orders of Governor George Grey, it was here that on 12 July 1863 British troops marched over and declared war on the Māori, starting the Waikato Land Wars.
