Ngaere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ngaere
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 Ngaere
Location in Taranaki Region
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki |
| District | Stratford District |
Ngaere is a small village in New Zealand. It is located on State Highway 3, about 4 kilometers south of a town called Stratford, New Zealand. The name "Ngaere" comes from a Māori word that means "swamp." This is because, a long time ago, this whole area was a huge wetland.
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Exploring Ngaere's Past
Ngaere Gardens: A Picnic Spot
Ngaere Gardens was once a very popular place for families to have picnics. This was especially true in the early 1900s. The gardens even had a collection of interesting animals! People have tried to bring the gardens back to life many times. However, these attempts have not worked out. Today, the gardens have been cleared. All that is left is a large lake and some old, tall trees.
The Historic Dairy Factory
Another famous building in Ngaere is the old dairy factory. It was built in 1914. This factory made its own special brand of cheese called "Triumph." The Ngaere factory closed its doors in 1973. This happened after the local dairy company joined a bigger one in Taranaki. Since closing, the factory building has been used for many different things. It was once a clothing factory and even an indoor cricket area. Today, it is used as a saw mill.
Other Local Businesses
Ngaere also used to have a service station. This station closed in the 1990s. Like the dairy factory, this building has had many different uses. It was once a brewery and a health shop. Now, it is a shop that fixes motorcycles. There is also a place called "Fred's Place" in Ngaere. It is well known for selling interesting old items and antiques.
Local Stories and Legends
The Legend of the Swamp
There is an old Māori legend about how the Ngaere swamp was formed. The story says that Mt. Taranaki was on a journey. When it stopped in this area, it "wept." Its tears then created the large swamp. Most of this swamp was drained in the early 1900s. This was done to create land for dairy farming.
The Name Ngaere
The name Ngaere was also spelled Ngaire until 1934. Some people believe that the village's name is where the common girl's name "Ngaire" comes from in New Zealand.
Learning in Ngaere
Ngaere School
Ngaere School is a school for both boys and girls. It teaches students from their first year up to year 8 (ages 5-13). The school first opened its doors in 1882. Today, about 138 students attend Ngaere School.
