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Maunu, New Zealand facts for kids

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Maunu
Suburb
The small block of shops at Tui Crescent
The small block of shops at Tui Crescent
Maunu is located in New Zealand
Maunu
Maunu
Location in New Zealand
Country New Zealand
Local authority Whangarei
Electoral ward
  • Mangakahia-Maungatapere Ward
  • Whangārei Urban Ward
Postcode(s)
0110

Maunu, New Zealand

Maunu is a suburb located in the southwest part of Whangārei in the Northland area of New Zealand. There's also a volcanic hill nearby, also called Maunu, which stands 395 meters tall. A main road, State Highway 14, runs right through this suburb.

Who Lives in Maunu?

Maunu is home to many people and is split into different areas for counting purposes. In 2018, the area had a population of over 5,000 people. This number has grown over the years, showing that more and more people are choosing to live here.

Maunu is a diverse place. Most people living here are of European background. However, there are also many Māori, Asian, and Pacific peoples, making Maunu a community with lots of different cultures. About one-fifth to one-quarter of the people in Maunu were born outside New Zealand.

Learning in Maunu

Maunu has two schools that help young people learn and grow.

Pompallier Catholic College

Pompallier Catholic College is a secondary school for students in years 7 to 13 (which is like middle school and high school). It has about 649 students. The school first opened in 1971 as a private school just for boys. In 1977, it started accepting both boys and girls. Later, in 1981, it became a state-integrated school, meaning it's partly funded by the government but keeps its special character.

Maunu School

Maunu School is a primary school for younger students, from years 1 to 6. It has about 306 students. This school has a long history, as it was first started way back in 1884. Both Pompallier Catholic College and Maunu School welcome both boys and girls.

Things to Do in Maunu

Maunu has several interesting places and activities for residents and visitors.

Barge Park Showgrounds

Barge Park Showgrounds, located on State Highway 14, is a large area used for many events. You can find agricultural and pastoral (A&P) shows here, which celebrate farming and local produce. It's also a popular spot for horse riding events and other fun outdoor activities.

Local Shops and Services

There's a small group of shops on Tui Crescent where you can find everyday necessities. This includes a dairy (a small convenience store), a pharmacy for medicines, and a takeaway shop if you're looking for a quick meal.

Maunu Cemetery

Maunu also has a cemetery, which is a peaceful place located on Cemetery Road. This area was first chosen to be a cemetery in 1892. Over the years, more land has been added to it.

Kiwi North: Whangārei Museum, Kiwi House & Heritage Park

Joltcafe
Jolt café as seen from the Sciadopity's Garden Centre carpark.
Clarke Homestead (side view)
Clarke Homestead

One of the most exciting places in Maunu is the Kiwi North precinct. This is a special area that brings together history, nature, and science.

  • Whangārei Museum: Founded in 1890, the museum at Kiwi North lets you explore the history of the Whangārei area.
  • Tuatara and Kiwi House: You can see some of New Zealand's unique animals here, including the famous kiwi bird and the ancient tuatara reptile.
  • Heritage Park: This part of Kiwi North features the Clarke Homestead and other old buildings that have been moved here from different parts of Whangārei. It's like stepping back in time to see how people used to live.
  • Northland Observatory: If you're interested in stars and planets, there's an observatory where you can learn about space.
  • Other Attractions: Kiwi North also has a garden center, a cafe, and hosts various clubs and societies. They often have special events, including fun train rides!
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