 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2010) |
Awanui | |
|---|---|
 St Josephs Church | |
 | |
| Coordinates: 35°2′52″S 173°15′22″E / 35.04778°S 173.25611°E | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Far North District |
| Ward | Te Hiku |
| Community | Te Hiku |
| Subdivision | Whatuwhiwhi |
| Electorates | |
| Government | |
| • Territorial Authority | Far North District Council |
| • Regional council | Northland Regional Council |
| • Mayor of Far North | Moko Tepania |
| • Northland MP | Grant McCallum |
| • Te Tai Tokerau MP | Mariameno Kapa-Kingi |
| Area | |
• Total | 0.96 km2 (0.37 sq mi) |
| Population (June 2024)[2] | |
• Total | 650 |
| • Density | 680/km2 (1,800/sq mi) |
| Postcode | 0486 |
Awanui is an historical river port in the far north of New Zealand, on the banks of the Awanui River just before it flows into Rangaunu Bay. Awanui lies at the south end of the Aupouri Peninsula in the Far North District Council of the Northland Region, approximately 7 km north of Kaitaia. The river port has ceased operation and a recreational wharf is located at Unahi, on the shore of Rangaunu Bay, approximately 3 km north of the township. The traditional name of Awanui was Kaiwaka[3] and Awanui proper refers to the "River at Kaiwaka". Awanui had an estimated population of 650 as of June 2024.[2]
The Tangata Whenua of the locality are represented by two neighbouring marae. Mahimaru Marae is located on State Highway 10, representing the Ngai Takoto hapu. Further along State Highway 10 is Kareponia Marae and the Patukoraha hapu o Ngati Kahu Iwi[4]
For much of the 20th century, Awanui was dominated by the Kaitaia Co-operative Dairy Factory, located immediately north of the township. The factory was constructed in 1926, which included the current wharf structure at Unahi.[5] In 1986, the Kaitaia Co-operative merged with the neighbouring Northland Dairy Company. A sequence of such mergers would eventually form Fonterra. Given the distance away from markets, together with improved farming technology and transportation methods, these mergers eventually forced the factory at Awanui to close by the early 1990s. Dairy farms remain active in the area, although smaller, with milk being transported to the Kauri Dairy Factory just north of Whangārei, approximately 100 km south.
In the 1920s, kauri timber and gum from Kaitaia moved to the coast through Awanui.[6]
State Highway 1 and 10 intersect at Awanui. Waiharara is 16 km to the north west, Kaingaroa is about 6 km to the north east, and Kaitaia is 7 km south.[7]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Areawas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b "Aotearoa Data Explorer". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ^ Hayward-Howie, Pare (29 January 2013). "Charlie Hayward - Awanui, near Kaitaia. Born 1919". Maori Childhood 1920s - 1930s. Archived from the original on 30 October 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ "Māori Maps". Maorimaps.com. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Awanui and the Kaitaia Dairy Company Wharf". Donhammondimage.co.nz. 10 December 1924. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ "Northland places". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 20 September 2015.
- ^ Peter Dowling, ed. (2004). Reed New Zealand Atlas. Reed Books. pp. map 3. ISBN 0-7900-0952-8.