Matapu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matapu
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 Matapu
Location in Taranaki Region
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki |
| District | South Taranaki District |
Matapu is a small place, or locality, in the southern part of the Taranaki Region in New Zealand. It's part of the South Taranaki District. Nearby towns include Hāwera to the south-east, Eltham to the north-east, Kaponga to the north-west, and Manaia to the south-west.
Marae in Matapu
Matapu is home to three special places called marae. A marae is a meeting ground for Māori people. It's a very important cultural and spiritual place. These marae are connected to the Ngāruahine hapū (which means sub-tribes or family groups).
- Aotearoa Marae has a meeting house called Ngākaunui. It is linked to the Ōkahu-Inuāwai people.
- Te Aroha o Tītokowaru Marae has a meeting house named Te Aroha. This marae belongs to the Ngāti Manuhiakai people.
- Kanihi or Māwhitiwhiti Marae has a meeting house called Kanihi. It is connected to the Kanihi-Umutahi people.
In October 2020, the New Zealand Government helped upgrade Aotearoa Marae. They provided money to improve this marae and seven others in the area. This project also created 18 jobs for people.
Education in Matapu
Matapu School is a local school for children from year 1 to year 8. This means it teaches students from about 5 years old up to 13 years old. In 2005, two other schools, Okaiawa School and Mangatoki School, closed down. Their students then joined Matapu School, making it bigger.
