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Our History

our history

exploring our past

The Mangatangi and Maramarua area’s culturally and historically rich past spans generations and holds great significance. Discover the stories, events, and milestones that have shaped our journey to where we are today.

Early days

For millions of years, New Zealand’s geographical isolation gave rise to a unique ecosystem, dominated by birds and insects that have adapted specifically to this land. However, the arrival of humans, starting with the Polynesians in the 1300s, changed the landscape. Records from the last 150 years provide insight into the early farming communities that emerged. The Europeans, including Abel Tasman in 1642 and Captain Cook in 1769, introduced new species such as rabbits, deer, and pigs, which the Maori hunted alongside their traditional food sources. Additionally, they traded their crops such as potatoes and kumara with the European settlers to supplement their diets.

Maori legend

According to Maori legend, the name Maramarua was bestowed upon the area as a tribute to the respected Mara brothers who were prominent chiefs. Prior to the turn of the century, Maramarua and Waikarakia, which translates to water church, were home to the Ngati Tamatira tribe, making it the only major Maori settlement in the region. On the eastern side of Maramarua, there is Mangatangi, which translates to rippling stream or babbling brook, and it was inhabited by local hapu including Ngati Tamaoho, Ngai Tai, Ngati Paoa, and Nagti Koheriki. These details are recorded in THE MARAMARUA CENTENNIAL 1873-1973.

1800s- Early 1900s

Formalised farming and the clearing of forested areas in New Zealand began during the 1800s, alongside the NZ Land Wars conflict that commenced in 1840. To fortify their position, British troops established a series of defensive redoubts between Pokeno and the Western Firth of Thames, with two of these, Esk Redoubt and Surrey Redoubt, located within the district. Following the conclusion of the land war, European settlers arrived in Mangatangi and Maramarua.

Late 1900s - Now

New Zealand’s great pastoral era led to farming becoming the predominant source of income in the country, except for a short stint of gold exports in 1860. Initially, sheep and wool reigned supreme, but the emergence of refrigeration technology saw cattle and dairy farming gain importance. The 1940s brought about enhanced pastoral management, triggering a farming boom, aided by government subsidies. To cater to the export market, farmers invested heavily in their operations. The year 1973 witnessed the devastation of markets due to the oil crisis, leading the government to withdraw all farming support and resulting in the sale of many farms. This led to some farmers adapting and venturing into deer, goat, and alpaca farming. In 1977, the Mangatangi Dam was completed to cater to the increasing demand for water in the Auckland region. Eventually, dairy farming gained more prominence and became the preferred method.

"I am the environment, the environment is me."

- Mangatangi Maramarua Catchment

NGA KARERE HOU

Latest Events

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