| Kaeo Kāeo (Māori) |
|
|---|---|
|
Kaeo
|
|
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Northland Region |
| District | Far North District |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 495 |
The township of Kaeo lies some 22 km northwest of Kerikeri in Northland, New Zealand. The town takes its name from the unique shellfish found in the nearby Whangaroa Harbour.
Built on the flood plain of the Kaeo River, the town has experienced destructive flooding. It came to national attention in 2007 when it took the brunt of three major floods within the space of a few months - in February, March and July. Water flooded homes and shops and destroyed the local Primary School's pool-complex. The local Rugby Clubrooms also suffered, and the club received much support from the whole country as it raised funds to lift the clubrooms off the ground to minimise the risk of damage from further flooding. Landslips, fallen power lines, and road closures resulted from heavy rain in February 2008. The Northland Regional Council scheduled flood-protection work for 2008,[1] but as of 2011 it is still waiting on various consents.[2] Floods occurred as a result of Cyclone Wilma in January 2011, and 70 people has to be evacuated from Kaeo.[3]
The 2006 New Zealand census reported a population of 495, an increase of 3 from 2001.[4]
Kaeo has a BP petrol-station, a pharmacy, a Farm and Fuel store, a bookshop, eateries, a hairdressers, a bus company, mechanics (2), a tyre-shop, a transport company, a Sanfords Fishery factory, a 4-Square shop incorporating a Post Office, a primary school with around 126 students and a college (high school).
Local Italian Stefano Virgili coaches and manages Kaeo's amateur football team, which competes in the Northland 1st Division.
Famous people from Kaeo include New Zealand Sevens Rugby legend, Eric Rush
Kaeo Primary School, a coeducational contributing primary (years 1-6) school, has a decile rating of 1 and a roll of 126.[5] The school dates from 1877; it moved to its current site some years later. In 1941 it became Kaeo District High School, taking both primary and secondary students. After the opening of Whangaroa College in 1969, Kaeo School became a primary school.[6]
Whangaroa College, a coeducational secondary (years 7-15) school, has a decile-rating of 2 and a roll of 80.[7]