Turakina, New Zealand

Turakina is an old Māori settlement situated southeast of Whanganui city on the North Island of New Zealand. Turakina village derives its name from the Turakina River, which cut its passage to the sea from a source south of Waiouru.

Location of Turakina

Turakina is notable as the site of the first of New Zealand's children's health camp, established by Elizabeth Gunn in November 1919.[1]

History and culture

Pre-European history

The original inhabitants of the area were the descendants of the Kahui Rere and the Kahui Maunga, later naming themselves Ngā Wairiki. However, after the migration of Ngāti Apa from the Bay of Plenty toward Rotoaira then south to the Rangitikei river, they found themselves slowly being taken over by generations of intermarriage with the latter tribe.

The hapū of Ngā Āriki still live in Turakina.

European settlement

Scottish settlers arrived in the area in the 19th century, and their descendants still live there to the present day. Many Māori families intermarried with the Scottish also.

Celtic feeling is still strong in Turakina. For example, Highland games are held every year late January, attracting many from around New Zealand.

Marae

The local Tini Waitara Marae and Te Horo Taraipi meeting house is a traditional meeting place of Ngāti Apa.[2][3]

Education

Turakina School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[4][5] with a roll of 34 as of March 2020.[6]

References
  1. The kauri and the willow : how we lived and grew from 1801-1942 / Elsie Locke. Wellington[N.Z. Government Printer, 1984. pp.159-163
  2. "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  3. "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
  4. "Official School Website".
  5. "Ministry of Education School Profile". educationcounts.govt.nz. Ministry of Education.
  6. "Education Review Office Report". ero.govt.nz. Education Review Office.


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