Takaka, New Zealand

Takaka
town
Commercial Street, (New Zealand State Highway 60), the main street of Takaka
Takaka
Coordinates: 40°51′15″S 172°48′25″E / 40.85417°S 172.80694°E / -40.85417; 172.80694Coordinates: 40°51′15″S 172°48′25″E / 40.85417°S 172.80694°E / -40.85417; 172.80694
Country New Zealand
Region Tasman
Territorial authority Tasman
Population (2006)[1]
 • Total 1,149
Time zone UTC+12 (New Zealand Standard Time)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
Postcode 7110

Takaka is a small town situated at the southeastern end of Golden Bay, at the northern end of New Zealand's South Island, located on the lower reaches of the Takaka River. It lies at the start of the winding road which follows the river valley before climbing over Takaka Hill, linking Golden Bay with the more populated coast of Tasman Bay to the southeast.

History

During the period, 1853 to 1876, Takaka was administrated as part of the Nelson Province.

In June 2005, much of the town was temporarily evacuated after fire swept through Takaka's biggest industrial complex, a dairy factory. There were fears that volatile chemicals stored at the plant might explode, leading to the release of poisonous gases, which later proved to be unfounded.

Geography

The area around Takaka Hill has a cave system, including New Zealand's deepest vertical shaft, Harwood's Hole.

Takaka and Golden Bay are known for rock climbing, particularly around the area of Paynes Ford. This area is situated about 20 minutes walk from Takaka and has over 200 bolted climbs. The most famous climb is 1080 and the letter G because of its unique "no-hands-rest" at the top and its views of Golden Bay.

The town is also known for Te Waikoropupu Springs (colloquially known as Pupu Springs).

The antipode of Takaka is the town of Coriscada, Portugal.

Economy

Farming, sawmilling, limestone quarrying and tourism are major local industries. The area around Takaka is mineral-rich, with gold, iron ore, copper, silver and asbestos all found locally, although not all in commercially viable amounts. There is also a large Fonterra dairy factory located in the township of Takaka.

Culture

Onetahua Kōkiri Marae is located in Takaka. It includes Te Ao Marama wharenui (meeting house) and it is a marae (meeting ground) for Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama ki Te Tau Ihu and Te Atiawa o Te Waka-a-Māui.[2][3]

References

  1. ↑ "QuickStats About Takaka". 2006 Census. Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 7 April 2010.
  2. ↑ "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  3. ↑ "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
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