Ruakaka

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Ruakaka is a small township in the North of New Zealand approximately 30 kilometres South of Whangarei. Originally a small beachside community, Ruakaka has seen development due to its proximity to the expansion of the country's only oil refinery at Marsden Point during the 1980s.

1 Geography
2 Climate
3 History
4 Economy
5 Attractions and landmarks

[edit] Geography

[edit] Naming

Ruakaka is a combination of the two words "Rua" and "Kaka". Rua is a Maori word for two and Kaka is a native parrot (Nestor meridionalis).

[edit] Districts

The general area is made up of Ruakaka Beach, Ruakaka Township and Marsden Point. Other suburbs such as One Tree Point, Takahiwai and even Waipu are often included in general conversation regarding the area. (Latitude -35.8833, Longitude 174.4000)

Ruakaka Beach, October 2005.

Ruakaka Beach lies near the mouth of the Ruakaka River which boasts a rare bird reserve and popular Summer camping ground. It is primarily a residential area made up of a mixture of permanent homes and beach shacks.

Ata Mahina Way at Ruakaka, March 2006.

The Ruakaka Township was developed off the back of the Marsden Point Oil Refinery expansion in the 1980's where services were required to support the large influx of workers from all over the world involved in the project. A government requirement for a percentage of revenue invested in the project to be spent on the local community allowed for provision of services not common in communities this size (eg. Squash courts, sports grounds).

The Marsden Point Village was built to support the Marsden Power Stations (A & B) which have since been decommissioned. The area is now promoted as beach-side living.

[edit] Beaches

The bay has beautiful sandy white beaches looking out towards the Hen and Chicken Islands and Sail Rock.

[edit] Climate

The region's geographical location results in warm humid summers and mild winters. Typical summer temperatures range from 22 °C to 26 °C (72 °F to 79 °F). Ground frosts are virtually unknown. The hottest months are January and February. Typical annual rainfall for the region is 1500 – 2000 mm. Winds year-round are predominantly from the southwest.

[edit] History

The area of Ruakaka is located in Bream Bay which was named by Captain Cook during his first voyage to New Zealand when he visited the region on 25 November 1769. It was named due to the ease of capture of 90-100 bream fish soon after anchoring.