Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula facts for kids
Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula is a long piece of land in the North Island of New Zealand. It used to be called the South Kaipara Peninsula. This peninsula stretches about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north. It runs along the western side of the Kaipara Harbour, from near Helensville up to the harbor's entrance.
In 2013, the peninsula was officially given its new name. This change was part of a special agreement called a Treaty of Waitangi settlement. The name "Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga" comes from the Māori language. It means "The cloak of the south." This name shows how the peninsula acts like a protective cloak. It guards the southern part of the Kaipara Harbour from the strong winds and waves of the Tasman Sea.
The Kaipara Harbour's entrance separates Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula from another, larger peninsula called Pouto Peninsula to the north.
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What is Te Korowai-o-Te-Tonga Peninsula Like?
This peninsula is mostly flat or has gentle rolling hills. Its highest point is only about 191 meters (627 feet) high. On its western side, it meets the Tasman Sea. Here, you'll find long, beautiful beaches like Te Oneone Rangatira Beach and Muriwai Beach. The town of Muriwai is just south of the peninsula.
Forests and Lakes
Away from the Tasman Sea coast, there is a long stretch of trees called Woodhill Forest. East of this forest, you'll find a series of low-lying lakes. The biggest and most northern of these is Lake Rototoa.
Harbor and Wildlife
On the eastern side of the peninsula, many small streams and inlets flow into the Kaipara Harbour. The very northern tip of the peninsula has a large area of sand and mud. This area is a very important home for many different kinds of wading birds. These birds love to feed and rest in this special habitat.
Who Lives on the Peninsula?
The area called South Head covers the whole peninsula. It does not include the nearby towns of Parakai or Helensville.
Population Growth
In 2018, about 2,595 people lived on the peninsula. This was a good increase from 2013, when 2,040 people lived there. It shows that more people are choosing to make this beautiful area their home.
People and Families
There were 903 homes on the peninsula in 2018. There were slightly more males than females. The average age of people living there was about 42 years old. About 21% of the people were under 15 years old, which means there are many kids and teenagers living there!
Different Backgrounds
Most people living on the peninsula are of European background. However, many people also identify as Māori, Pacific peoples, or Asian. This mix of cultures makes the community diverse and interesting.
Where People Come From
About 18% of the people living on the peninsula were born in other countries. This is a bit less than the national average for New Zealand.
Work and Education
Many adults on the peninsula work full-time or part-time. The average income was about $31,900. Many people have gone to college or university, while others have learned skills through different training.
