Whareponga facts for kids
Whareponga is a beautiful bay and a small community located in the Gisborne District of New Zealand's North Island. It's found north of Waipiro Bay. Two streams, Whareponga Stream and Wharekaka Stream, flow into the sea here.
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Whareponga: A Special Place in New Zealand
The Land and Its Beauty
The area around Whareponga has a wild and natural look. You can see green hills covered in native bush. There are also tall, exposed cliffs that show the rugged beauty of the land.
The People of Whareponga: Ngāti Porou
The local people of Whareponga are part of the Ngāti Porou iwi (tribe). Specifically, they belong to a family group called a hapū (sub-tribe) known as Te Aitanga a Mate. This hapū gets its name from a very important ancestor named Materoa.
Whareponga Marae: A Community Hub
The Whareponga Marae is a special meeting place for the community. A marae is a traditional Māori gathering place that includes buildings and an open area. The meeting house at Whareponga Marae is called Materoa, named after the ancestor. Another hapū, Ngāi Tangihaere, is also connected to this marae.
Over time, many people from the hapū moved to bigger towns and cities. However, in 2017, new homes were built for families who wanted to return to Whareponga. This project received help from Te Puni Kōkiri, a New Zealand government agency that supports Māori development.
Helping the Community Grow
In October 2020, the New Zealand Government provided a lot of money, over $5.7 million, from the Provincial Growth Fund. This money was given to help upgrade the Whareponga Marae and 28 other Ngāti Porou marae. Upgrading means making improvements and repairs. This funding was also expected to create many jobs for people in the area.
Famous People from Whareponga
- Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, a brave soldier who received the Victoria Cross (VC) medal.
- Arihia Ngata, a well-known community leader.
