Mamaku, New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mamaku | |
|---|---|
 Railhead station | |
 Interactive map of Mamaku | |
| Coordinates: 38°05′43″S 176°4′43″E / 38.09528°S 176.07861°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Bay of Plenty |
| Local Authority | Rotorua Lakes District |
| Ward | Rotorua Rural General Ward |
| Community | Rotorua Rural Community |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial authority | Rotorua Lakes Council |
| • Regional council | Bay of Plenty Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Rotorua | Tania Tapsell[1] |
| • Rotorua MP | Todd McClay[2] |
| • Waiariki MP | Rawiri Waititi[3] |
| Area | |
• Total | 2.67 km2 (1.03 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2025)[5] | |
• Total | 830 |
| • Density | 310/km2 (810/sq mi) |
Mamaku is a small village in the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies on the Mamaku Plateau at an elevation of 560 metres (1,840 ft) above sea level. Situated at the highest point of the now-mothballed Rotorua Branch railway line, the town is 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of State Highway 5.
Mamaku was originally called Kaponga, but the name was changed to Mamaku in 1890 to avoid confusion with the town of Kaponga in Taranaki.[6] Ironically, the plant known as Mamaku, the Black tree fern, is not found in the area. European settlement commenced in the 1880s, and for a time Mamaku rivalled Rotorua for size.[6]
The main industry in Mamaku was originally native timber logging. In the late 19th century and early 20th century Mamaku had, at one time, 5 timber mills, all logging native timber from the surrounding bush. This reduced over time and today there are no timber mills operating in the village, with the last mill ceasing operations on 31 March 2015.
Another major industry established in Mamaku was farming, primarily dairy and sheep. This continues today as perhaps the main source of income for the village. Some recent additions to local industry include blueberry winemaking and off-road biking.
