Omata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Omata
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Tapuae Beach
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Taranaki Region |
| Territorial authority | New Plymouth District |
| Ward |
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| Community | Kaitake Community |
| Electorates |
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| Area | |
| • Total | 16.25 km2 (6.27 sq mi) |
| Population
(June 2023)
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| • Total | 540 |
| • Density | 33.2/km2 (86.1/sq mi) |
Omata is a small place in Taranaki, on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. It's located on State Highway 45, just southwest of the city of New Plymouth. Omata is also right next to the Tapuae Marine Reserve, which is a special protected area in the ocean.
Contents
Omata's History
Omata played an important part in New Zealand's history. It was a key location during the First Taranaki War in 1860–61. This war was a conflict over land between Māori and the New Zealand government.
The Omata Stockade
During the war, a fort called the Omata Stockade was built here. It was made to protect soldiers and settlers. Local settlers helped design and build this fort. It was built on the site of an older Māori settlement called Ngāturi Pā.
The Omata Stockade was very close to where the Battle of Waireka happened on 28 March 1860. This was an important battle during the war. In August 1860, most of the village of Omata was burned down during the fighting. Soldiers stayed at the stockade until 1866. Later, in 1867, the stockade was taken apart by farmers. Its remaining parts were sold off.
People and Population
Omata covers an area of about 16.25 square kilometers. As of 2023, it has an estimated population of about 540 people.
The population of Omata has grown over the years. In 2006, there were 771 people. By 2018, this number had increased to 939 people. This shows a steady growth in the number of people living in Omata.
The people living in Omata come from different backgrounds. Most residents are of European descent, but there are also people who identify as Māori, Pacific peoples, and Asian. This mix of cultures makes Omata a diverse community.
Education in Omata
Omata has its own school, called Omata School. It's a school for students from Year 1 to Year 8, which means it teaches children from around 5 to 13 years old. As of 2023, the school has about 196 students. In 2003, Omata School celebrated a big milestone: its 150th birthday!
What is an Electorate?
An electorate is an area that elects a person to represent them in the country's parliament. New Zealand is divided into many electorates.
The Omata Electorate
Omata used to be the name of an electorate for the New Zealand House of Representatives. This was the main law-making body in New Zealand. The Omata electorate existed from 1853 to 1870. During that time, seven different Members of Parliament represented the people of Omata in the first four New Zealand Parliaments.
Today, Omata is part of the New Plymouth electorate. It is also part of the Te Tai Hauāuru electorate, which is one of the special Māori electorates in New Zealand.
