Manaia, Taranaki

For other uses, see Manaia.

Settlement in Taranaki Region, New Zealand

Place in Taranaki Region, New Zealand

Manaia

Manaia post office, 2010

Coordinates: 39°33′S 174°08′E﻿ / ﻿39.550°S 174.133°E﻿ / -39.550; 174.133
Country| New Zealand
Region| Taranaki Region
Territorial authority| South Taranaki District
Ward|

* Taranaki Coastal General Ward
* Te Kūrae Māori Ward

Community| Taranaki Coastal Community
Electorates|

* Whanganui
* Te Tai Hauāuru (Māori)

Government

• Territorial Authority| South Taranaki District Council
• Regional council| Taranaki Regional Council
Area

[1]

• Total

| 2.55 km2 (0.98 sq mi)
Population

(June 2024)[2]

• Total

| 1,130
• Density| 440/km2 (1,100/sq mi)

Manaia is a rural town in South Taranaki District, New Zealand. Ōpunake is 29 km to the northwest, and Hāwera is 13 km to the southeast. Kaponga is 15 km north. State Highway 45 passes through the town.[3][4] Manaia is named after the former Māori chief of the district, Hukunui Manaia.

The population was 960 in the 2013 Census, an increase of 36 from 2006.[5]

## History and culture

[edit]

### Māori history

[edit]

The mouth of the Kapuni River was the site of two pā settled by Ngāti Ruanui in the 1800s: Orangi-tuapeka Pā on the western banks and Waimate Pā on the east.[6] Orangi-tuapeka Pā was occupied by Wiremu Kīngi Moki Te Matakātea in 1833 and 1834, where he defeated Waikato Tainui forces led by Pōtatau Te Wherowhero, ending Waikato raids into Taranaki.[6] In October 1834, the area was bombarded by British troops aboard HMS Alligator, in an attempt to rescue Betty Guard, a whaler's wife.[6] After the hostages were released, the British troops attacked and burnt the settlements.[6]

After the ceasefire at the end of the First Taranaki War, a hui of over 1,000 Māori was held on 3 July 1861 at a meeting house called Aotearoa, close to Waimate Pā. There, over a thousand members of Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru and Whanganui iwi discussed the war, with most members pledging support for the Kīngitanga Movement.[7]

### European settlement

[edit]

Manaia's history is still visible in the Manaia Redoubt. Built around 1880 on the site of a former pā (Te Takahe) during peacetime, this redoubt and wooden watchtower was created for the passive resistance of the Parihaka chief, Te Whiti o Rongomai, and his followers.

The wooden watchtower (35 feet high) was blown down in a storm and replaced in 1912 by a concrete one still standing today amidst the 18-hole golf course surrounded by two original blockhouses. Trenches surround the tower and blockhouses. The complex could house 160 men and all the timber used for the construction was pit sawn locally by the constables. The golf course is one of the oldest in Taranaki, established around 1905.

When driving into Manaia from Hāwera the remains of the old flour mill can be seen on the left hand side. These concrete remains of the mill were built in 1900 to replace the original wooden mill built in 1882 by Mr D. F. McVicar of the Sentry Hill flour mill, New Plymouth. The local Waiokura River powered the mill by a 15-foot (4.6 m) water wheel which developed 15 horsepower (11 kW). The mill had 4 stories, and a 23-foot (7.0 m) stud. It was 35 feet (11 m) long and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide. About 40,000 feet (12,000 m) of timber was used and the building provided storage for about 15,000 sacks of flour.[8] Yarrows Bakers employed around 250 people, and has been the main business in Manaia since 1923.[9] The company manufactures fresh and frozen breads and bakery products. Its clients include Foodstuffs, Subway, and Pams.[10] The company went into receivership in 2011 but was bought out by a member of the Yarrow family and continued operation.[11][12]

### Modern history

[edit]

The statue of George in Manaia

In 2007, a 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier called George (dog) died protecting 5 local children from an attack by two pit bulls . He was given a posthumous PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, at a special ceremony in Manaia in February 2009. The town has also erected a statue in his honour.[13]

### Marae

[edit]

Manaia has three marae affiliated with the local Ngāruahine iwi (tribe): Tawhitinui Marae and Okare Tuatoru meeting house, Waiokura Marae and Paraukau Tukau meeting house, and Okare ki Uta|Okare ki Uta Marae.[14][15]

### Historic place

[edit]

The memorial band rotunda in the Town Square dates from World War I and is a Heritage New Zealand category 2 historic place.[16]

## Demographics

[edit]

Manaia is defined by Statistics New Zealand as a rural settlement. It covers 2.55 km2 (0.98 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 1,130 as of June 2024,[2] with a population density of 443 people per km2.[1]

Historical population for ManaiaYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

2006| 930| —
2013| 972| +0.63%
2018| 984| +0.25%
Source: [17]

Manaia had a population of 984 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 12 people (1.2%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 54 people (5.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 393 households, comprising 507 males and 474 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.07 males per female, with 231 people (23.5%) aged under 15 years, 150 (15.2%) aged 15 to 29, 432 (43.9%) aged 30 to 64, and 165 (16.8%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 73.2% European/Pākehā, 44.5% Māori, 2.7% Pacific peoples, 1.2% Asian, and 1.5% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 57.9% had no religion, 31.1% were Christian, 1.5% had Māori religious beliefs and 1.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 33 (4.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 264 (35.1%) people had no formal qualifications. 69 people (9.2%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 297 (39.4%) people were employed full-time, 90 (12.0%) were part-time, and 63 (8.4%) were unemployed.[17]

### Kapuni statistical area

[edit]

Kapuni statistical area surrounds but does not include Manaia. It covers 106.82 km2 (41.24 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 620 as of June 2024,[18] with a population density of 5.8 people per km2.

Historical population for Manaia-KapuniYear| Pop.| ±% p.a.

|
|

2006| 1,620| —
2013| 1,647| +0.24%
2018| 1,551| −1.19%
Source: [19]

Before the 2023 census, Manaia-Kapuni statistical area did include Manaia, with a boundary covering 109.38 km2 (42.23 sq mi).[1] Manaia-Kapuni had a population of 1,551 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 96 people (−5.8%) since the 2013 census, and a decrease of 69 people (−4.3%) since the 2006 census. There were 612 households, comprising 792 males and 759 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.04 males per female. The median age was 37.9 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 384 people (24.8%) aged under 15 years, 258 (16.6%) aged 15 to 29, 693 (44.7%) aged 30 to 64, and 216 (13.9%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 79.9% European/Pākehā, 36.2% Māori, 1.9% Pacific peoples, 1.4% Asian, and 1.2% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 6.8, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 58.0% had no religion, 30.9% were Christian, 1.2% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.2% were Buddhist and 1.0% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 84 (7.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 378 (32.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $28,500, compared with $31,800 nationally. 138 people (11.8%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 552 (47.3%) people were employed full-time, 150 (12.9%) were part-time, and 75 (6.4%) were unemployed.[19]

## Education

[edit]

Manaia School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school with a roll of 55 as of March 2025.[20][21] The school was founded in 1882.[22] In 2005, Tokaora School closed and merged with Manaia School.[23]

## Climate

[edit]

Climate data for Manaia (1981–2010)

Month  | Jan  | Feb  | Mar  | Apr  | May  | Jun  | Jul  | Aug  | Sep  | Oct  | Nov  | Dec  | Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)  | 20.8
(69.4)  | 21.3
(70.3)  | 19.9
(67.8)  | 17.5
(63.5)  | 15.4
(59.7)  | 13.4
(56.1)  | 12.6
(54.7)  | 13.1
(55.6)  | 14.5
(58.1)  | 15.6
(60.1)  | 17.4
(63.3)  | 19.5
(67.1)  | 16.8
(62.1)
Daily mean °C (°F)  | 16.6
(61.9)  | 16.9
(62.4)  | 15.5
(59.9)  | 13.2
(55.8)  | 11.6
(52.9)  | 9.7
(49.5)  | 8.9
(48.0)  | 9.2
(48.6)  | 10.6
(51.1)  | 11.7
(53.1)  | 13.1
(55.6)  | 15.2
(59.4)  | 12.7
(54.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)  | 12.3
(54.1)  | 12.6
(54.7)  | 11.0
(51.8)  | 9.0
(48.2)  | 7.9
(46.2)  | 5.9
(42.6)  | 5.1
(41.2)  | 5.4
(41.7)  | 6.7
(44.1)  | 7.8
(46.0)  | 8.8
(47.8)  | 10.9
(51.6)  | 8.6
(47.5)
Average rainfall mm (inches)  | 86.7
(3.41)  | 83.1
(3.27)  | 96.1
(3.78)  | 60.4
(2.38)  | 99.3
(3.91)  | 106.7
(4.20)  | 112.5
(4.43)  | 70.2
(2.76)  | 82.6
(3.25)  | 104.3
(4.11)  | 93.3
(3.67)  | 77.0
(3.03)  | 1,072.2
(42.2)
Mean monthly sunshine hours | 240.2  | 197.9  | 169.4  | 168.2  | 119.7  | 90.6  | 117.9  | 127.6  | 131.2  | 163.0  | 184.3  | 219.0  | 1,929
Source: NIWA[24]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
2. ^ a b "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
3. ^ Peter Dowling, ed. (2004), Reed New Zealand Atlas, Reed Books, map 34, ISBN 0-7900-0952-8
4. ^ Roger Smith, GeographX (2005), The Geographic Atlas of New Zealand, Robbie Burton, map 96, ISBN 1-877333-20-4
5. ^ 2013 Census QuickStats about a place  : Manaia
6. ^ a b c d Buist, A. G. (1962). Excavation of a house-floor at Waimate Pa. New Zealand Archaeological Association Newsletter, 5(3), 184-187.
7. ^ Prickett, Nigel (2008). "The Military Engagement at Katikara, Taranaki, 4 June 1863". Papahou: Records of the Auckland Museum. 45: 5–41\. ISSN 1174-9202. JSTOR 42905898. Wikidata Q58623361.
8. ^ "About Yarrows". Yarrows Family Bakers. 2011.
9. ^ McCloy, Nicola (2008). Made in New Zealand: Stories of iconic Kiwi brands. Auckland: Random House. pp. 36–37\. ISBN 978-1-86979-018-9.
10. ^ "Partners & Customers". Yarrows Family Bakers. 2011. Archived from the original on 11 April 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2011.
11. ^ "Yarrow bakery placed in receivership". The New Zealand Herald. 31 May 2011. Retrieved 31 May 2011.
12. ^ "Troubled Taranaki bakery business stays in Yarrow family after sale". The New Zealand Herald. 13 October 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
13. ^ "Another award for heroic Jack Russell". Fairfax New Zealand. 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009.
14. ^ "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
15. ^ "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Pōtiki National Trust.
16. ^ "World War One Memorial Band Rotunda". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
17. ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7017434–7017436 and 7017438–7017441.
18. ^ "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
19. ^ a b "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Manaia-Kapuni (220900). 2018 Census place summary: Manaia-Kapuni
20. ^ "New Zealand Schools Directory". New Zealand Ministry of Education. Retrieved 1 March 2025.
21. ^ Education Counts: Manaia School
22. ^ "Manaia School". Hawera & Normanby Star. 26 June 1882. p. 2.
23. ^ "Mergers, Closures and New Schools, January 2005 - December 2005" (XLS). Education Counts.
24. ^ "CliFlo – National Climate Database : Manaia Dem Farm". NIWA. Retrieved 20 May 2024.

* v
* t
* e

South Taranaki District, New Zealand

Seat: Hāwera

Populated places|

| Eltham-Kaponga Ward|

* Auroa (east portion)
* Eltham
* Kaponga
* Kapuni
* Mangatoki
* Matapu
* Rawhitiroa

|

Pātea Ward|

* Alton
* Hurleyville
* Kakaramea
* Manutahi
* Ngamatapouri
* Patea
* Waiinu Beach
* Waitōtara
* Waverley
* Whenuakura

Taranaki Coastal Ward|

* Auroa (west portion)
* Kaupokonui
* Manaia
* Oaonui
* Ōpunake
* Parihaka
* Pihama
* Pungarehu
* Rahotu
* Warea

Te Hāwera Ward|

* Hāwera
* Mokoia
* Normanby
* Ohangai
* Ohawe
* Okaiawa
* Ramanui

Geographic features|

* Cape Egmont
* Lake Dive
* Manawapou River
* Pātea River
* Lake Rotokare
* Lake Rotorangi
* South Taranaki Bight
* Tangahoe River
* Waiaua River
* Waingongoro River
* Waitōtara River
* Whenuakura River

Facilities and attractions|

* Aotea Utanganui – Museum of South Taranaki
* Bayly Park
* Cape Egmont Lighthouse
* Kupe field
* Hawera Observatory
* Pātea Dam
* Patea Freezing Works
* Pātea Hydro Electric Scheme
* Waipipi Wind Farm

Government|

* District Council
* Mayor
* Regional Council

Organisations|

* Hawera High School
* Opunake High School
* Waitotara School
* Waverley High School
* Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki

History|

* 1901 Patea by-elections
* 1921 Patea by-election
* 1954 Patea by-election

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* United States
* Israel

*[Pop.]: Population
*[±% p.a.]: Per annum growth rate
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