world.wikisort.org - New_Zealand

Whakamaru /ˈfɑːkəˌmɑːruː/ is a town in the central region of the North Island of New Zealand. The Maori words 'whaka' and 'maru' literally mean to give shelter to, or safeguard.[1]

Whakamaru
Whakamaru
Coordinates: 38.42°S 175.80°E / -38.42; 175.80
Country	New Zealand
Region	Waikato

History

The Whakamaru supervolcano eruption (dated to 320–340,000 years ago) is the largest known eruption from the area known as the Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) and means the town is located in the historic Whakamaru caldera.[2]

The name is a shortened version of Te Whakamarumarutanga o Kahukeke ("The Shelter of Kahukeke"). According to Waikato Tainui oral traditions, Kahukeke, the Māori healer and explorer, who had arrived in New Zealand on the Tainui migratory canoe fell ill at the spot and the area was named for the shelter where she recovered. In some versions the shelter was built by her husband Rakatāura / Hape, the tohunga of the Tainui.[3][4]

The town of Whakamaru was originally established as accommodation for the Whakamaru Power Station in New Zealand. The Whakamaru switching station, adjacent to the power station, is operated by Transpower, and is an important node on the national grid.

Recreation and amenities

During the summer months Lake Whakamaru is used extensively for water skiing. The Whakamaru Water Ski Club is very busy during the Christmas holidays, although water skiing courses are normally available all year round. Kiwiburn, the New Zealand Burning Man regional, was held annually at the Whakamaru Domain, State Highway 30, from 2007 to 2013.

The town has a resident association, grocery store, cafe, pizza restaurant, and petrol station. Guided walks are available for the nearby Mt Titiraupenga, located at the geographic centre of The North Island.[5]

Education

Whakamaru School is a co-educational state primary school,[6] with a roll of 89 as of July 2022.[7][8]

References

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