Meremere

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Meremere is a small town in the northern Waikato region in the North Island of New Zealand. It is located on the east bank of the Waikato River, 50 kilometres north of Hamilton.

Meremere was the site of fighting in 1863 during the Māori Wars, at which time the settlement (then known as Mere Mere) was the site of a Māori defensive outpost.

For a number of years a coal fired power station operated in Meremere, and much of the workforce lived in the town. The station was a notable landmark for travellers along State Highway 1, which runs past the town. The station closed a number of years ago and plans were in place for it to be dismantled, however the remains of the station have been granted a reprieve and a 10 year agreement is now in place to utilise the site as a recycling center.^[1]

Fram Autolite Dragway, New Zealand's only permanent drag racing facility, is nearby and hosts many popular motorsports events throughout the year. In addition, a new motorsports circuit is being constructed alongside State Highway 1 to the south of Meremere at Hampton Downs.

The town's population is predominantly Māori (over 60% at the 2001 census), and has dwindled considerably in recent years. In 2001 it stood at just 354, down by over 20% from the previous census in 1996.

[edit] References

Coordinates: 37°19′S, 175°04′E