Whananaki | |
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![]() Whananaki Footbridge | |
Coordinates: 35°30′49″S 174°27′23″E / 35.51361°S 174.45639°E | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Northland Region |
District | Whangarei District |
Whananaki ( Māori: Whananāki) is a locality on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand. Whangārei is to the southwest. Te Wairahi Stream flows from the northwest into Whananaki Inlet, a wide tidal estuary which separates Whananaki from Whananaki South. Sandy Bay lies to the southeast. [1] [2] A long wooden footbridge connects Whananaki North and Whananaki South, [3] with an alternative connection being a 6-kilometre-long (3.7 mi) road that crosses the river above the estuary. Hikurangi is about 22 km southwest of Whananaki South. [4]
The area was reputedly named by Puhi, the captain of the legendary waka Mātaatua. The Māori-language word Whananāki means "kicking", and the name arose because mosquitoes caused Puhi to sleep restlessly. [5]
Whananāki Marae and Whakapaumahara meeting house are a meeting place for Ngāti Rehua and the Ngātiwai hapū of Te Āki Tai. [6] [7]
Work began on redeveloping the marae in December 2018. [8]
In October 2020, the Government committed $341,028 from the Provincial Growth Fund towards continuing the upgrade, creating 14 jobs. [9]
Whananaki School is a coeducational full primary (years 1–8) school [10] with a roll of 30 as of February 2024. [11] The school opened in 1889. [12]