| Whangamomona | |
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Whangamomona
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| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Manawatu-Wanganui Region |
| District | Stratford District |
Whangamomona is a small township in the Stratford District and Manawatu-Wanganui Region in New Zealand. It lies on State Highway 43, the Lost World Highway 65 kilometers (40 mi) north-east of Stratford and 55 kilometers (34 mi) south-west of Ohura. By rail it is 61 kilometers (38 mi) from Stratford on the Stratford-Okahukura railway line.[1]
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The first settlers arrived in 1895 with the town proper established some 2 years later.[2] Growth of the town was seriously affected by the loss of 51 men (including the smaller nearby settlements of Kohuratahi and Tahora)[3] in the First World War and a major flood in 1924.[2] The town recovered with arrival of the railway line in 1933 and electrification in 1959.[2] However the town went into decline again and the school closed in 1979, the post office 9 years later.[2]
In 1989 regional council boundaries were redrawn, with an emphasis on connected catchments. These revised maps made Whangamomona part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. Residents objected, as they wanted to continue being part of the Taranaki Region, and on 1 November 1989, they responded by declaring themselves the "Republic of Whangamomona" at the first Republic Day. Though the move began as a pointed protest, the town continued to hold a celebratory Republic Day once a year, during which a vote for President was held. The day has become a local festival day, and attracts visitors from throughout the North Island. In 2001, the celebration became biannual, held in January to take advantage of the summer weather.
Ian Kjestrup (1989-1999)
After being put on the ballot without his knowledge, he became the first elected President. Served 10 years
Billy Gumboot the Goat (1999-2001)
First elected animal. He won election by eating the other challengers ballots. He died in office after serving for 18 months.
Tai the Poodle (2003-2004)
Tai retired after an assassination attempt left him a nervous wreck.
Murt "Murtle the Turtle" Kennard (2005-present)
The local garage owner fought off strong competition from former president Kjestrup and a cross-dresser called "Miriam" to become the 4th President. He was re-elected in 2009 by one vote. He was re-elected again in 2011 by a landslide.[4]
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