Manakau | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 40°42′50″S 175°12′58″E / 40.714°S 175.216°E | |
Country | New Zealand |
Region | Manawatū-Whanganui |
Territorial authority | Horowhenua |
Ward |
|
Electorates | |
Government | |
• Territorial Authority | Horowhenua District Council |
• Regional council | Horizons Regional Council |
• Horowhenua Mayor | Bernie Wanden |
• Ōtaki MP | Tim Costley |
• Te Tai Hauāuru MP | Debbie Ngarewa-Packer |
Area | |
• Total | 5.66 km2 (2.19 sq mi) |
Population (June 2024)[2] | |
• Total | 500 |
• Density | 88/km2 (230/sq mi) |
Time zone | UTC+12 (NZST) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+13 (NZDT) |
Area code | 04 |
Manakau is a settlement situated in the Horowhenua District, located at the boundary of the Manawatū-Whanganui and Wellington regions of New Zealand's North Island. It lies 8 km north of Ōtaki and 12 km south of Levin, and is connected to both via State Highway 1, which skirts Manakau's western edge. The township is situated 5 km inland from the coast of the Tasman Sea.[3]
In 1886, Manakau became the first place to have a railway station on the newly completed Wellington-Manawatu railway line.[4] Although the line is now part of the North Island Main Trunk line, but the station itself has long been closed. Industries in the area include horticulture,[4] and there are several plant nurseries in or close to the township.
The name Manakau comes from the Māori words mana (prestige, authority) and kau (alone, sole). The name refers to an invasion of the district by notable tribal leader Te Rauparaha, who subdued the area on the strength of his prestige alone, with the local residents putting up no resistance.[5] The streets are named after Māori members of Parliament.[4]
Area
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).