41-810: The Utakura River is a river of the Northland Region of New Zealand 's North Island . It flows west from its sources northwest of Kaikohe , reaching the Waihou River at the point where it widens to become an arm of the Hokianga Harbour . Long and short-fin eels, smelt , īnanga , torrentfish and redfin bully live in the river. The river is assessed as fair, in a scale between good and poor, as it suffers from turbidity and e-coli and phosphorus pollution. 35°20′S 173°37′E / 35.333°S 173.617°E / -35.333; 173.617 This article about
82-611: A feature of the Northland landscape. For this reason wood and paper manufacturing industries also make a large contribution to the region's economy. The railway system, which once ran as far north as Donnellys Crossing , has been historically important for the transport of timber via Dargaville to Auckland. Northland is a favourite tourist destination, especially to the Bay of Islands and the historic town of Kerikeri. Diving and fishing are also popular visitor activities, especially around
123-485: A loose association known as the Muriwhenua . Approximately one third of the region's population are Māori; the majority of the remainder is of European lineage. Compared to the rest of the country, Pacific Islanders are under-represented in Northland. Although most of the region's European population are British (as is true with the rest of the country), certain other ethnicities are represented as well. These include
164-479: A river in the Northland Region is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Northland Region The Northland Region ( Māori : Te Tai Tokerau ) is the northernmost of New Zealand's 16 local government regions . New Zealanders sometimes refer to it as the Winterless North because of its mild climate all throughout the year. The major population centre is the city of Whangārei , and
205-539: A sizeable Croatian community from the Dargaville area north, particularly around Kaitaia . Northland is New Zealand's least urbanised region, with 50% of the population of 204,800 living in urban areas. Whangārei is the largest urban area of Northland, with a population of 56,800 (June 2024). The region's population is largely concentrated along the east coast, due to the west coast being more ragged and less suitable for urbanisation. According to Māori legend,
246-536: Is actually the Surville Cliffs , close to North Cape although the northernmost point of the country is further north, in the Kermadec chain of islands. Cape Reinga and Spirits Bay, however, have a symbolic part to play as the end of the country. In Māori mythology , it is from here that the souls of the dead depart on their journey to the afterlife. The region of Northland has an oceanic climate ( Cfb in
287-418: Is an irregularly-shaped 16 km (10 mi)-wide, 260 km (100 sq mi) drowned valley system and a natural harbour. It contains 144 islands, of which the largest is Urupukapuka , and numerous peninsulas and inlets. The three largest inlets are Waikare Inlet in the south, and Kerikeri and Te Puna (Mangonui) inlets in the north-west. The Purerua Peninsula , north of Te Puna Inlet, separates
328-541: Is traditionally known as Taimai, a name shortened from the Ngāpuhi whakataukī (proverb) Ka kata ngā pūriri ō Taiamai ("the pūriri trees are laughing with joy"), a phrase used to express delight in the world, or to welcome an honoured guest. The bay's English name was given on 27 November 1769 by Captain James Cook during his first voyage , when Cook and his crew landed on Motuarohia Island . The bay itself
369-736: The 2013 census . There were 95,697 males, 97,776 females and 528 people of other genders in 71,778 dwellings. 2.4% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 43.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 38,067 people (19.6%) aged under 15 years, 29,856 (15.4%) aged 15 to 29, 83,790 (43.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 42,288 (21.8%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 73.0% European ( Pākehā ); 37.4% Māori ; 4.9% Pasifika ; 4.8% Asian ; 0.7% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.3% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
410-716: The Cavalli Islands , the Hen and Chicken Islands , Aorangaia Island and the Poor Knights Islands . The northernmost points of the North Island mainland lie at the top of Northland. These include several points often confused in the public mind as being the country's northernmost points: Cape Maria van Diemen , Spirits Bay , Cape Reinga , and North Cape . The northernmost point of the North Island
451-616: The Far North District . Whangarei City, Whangarei County, and Hikurangi Town Councils became the Whangarei District , with Dargaville Borough and Otamatea County becoming the Kaipara District . The Northland Regional Council became a tier of local government above these territorial authorities. A proposal to merge the three district councils and the regional council into a unitary authority to be known as
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#1732798808647492-700: The Köppen climate classification ), but a subtropical climate in the Trewartha climate classification , with warm humid summers and mild wet winters. Due to its latitude and low elevation, Northland has the country's highest average annual temperature. However, as with other parts of New Zealand, climate conditions are variable. In summer, temperatures range from 22 °C to 26 °C, occasionally rising above 30 °C. In winter, maximum temperatures vary between 13 °C and 19 °C, while minima vary between 6 °C and 11 °C. Ground frosts are rare due to
533-784: The United States Exploring Expedition were present at the initial signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at Waitangi. In a 2006 study, the Bay of Islands was found to have the second bluest sky in the world, after Rio de Janeiro . A new fast boat manufactured by the Explore Group was introduced in the Bay of Islands in 2019 to take visitors to the Hole in the Rock at speed. The daily transport facility can seat up to 30 passengers and will ply several times during
574-453: The 1930s. It is 60 km (37 mi) north-west of the city of Whangārei . Cape Reinga , at the northern tip of the country, is about 210 km (130 mi) by road further to the north-west. The bay is known in Māori as Tokerau, a name given by early Māori ancestors referencing a place in the Māori homeland . The wider Bay of Islands area, including the plain surrounding Waimate North ,
615-576: The 19th century, some areas still exist where this rare giant grows tall. New Zealand's largest tree, Tāne Mahuta , stands in the Waipoua Forest south of the Hokianga Harbour. These kauri forests are also home to Te Raupua at 781 metres (2,562 ft), the highest point in the region. Northland has many endemic plant and invertebrate species such as the endangered snail pūpū harakeke ( Placostylus ambagiosus ), stick insects and
656-595: The 330 kilometres (210 miles) Northland Peninsula , the southernmost part of which is in the Auckland Region . It is bounded to the west by the Tasman Sea , and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. The land is predominantly rolling hill country. Farming and forestry occupy over half of the land and are two of the region's main industries. Although many of the region's kauri forests were felled during
697-585: The Auckland Region, and the convoluted inlets of the Hokianga Harbour. The east coast is more rugged, and is dotted with bays and peninsulas. Several large natural harbours are found on this coast, from Parengarenga close to the region's northern tip, then Whangaroa Harbour , and past the famous Bay of Islands down to Whangārei Harbour, on the shores of which is situated the largest population centre. Numerous islands dot this coast, notably
738-616: The Bay of Islands and the Poor Knights Islands . Northland was formerly home to New Zealand's only oil refinery, located in Marsden Point , a town, close to Whangārei across the harbour. New Zealand's natural fuel resources in Taranaki account for a little under half of the refinery's intake, with the rest coming predominantly from the Middle East. The nearby Marsden A thermal power station originally utilised heavy oil from
779-632: The Bay of Islands, Russell , formerly known as Kororareka, was the first permanent European settlement and Kerikeri contains many historic buildings, including the Stone Store , New Zealand's oldest extant building. The nearby settlement of Waitangi was of even more significance, as the signing place of New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi between the Māori tribes and the British Crown, on 6 February 1840. Between 1870 and 1920,
820-455: The North Island of New Zealand was an enormous fish, caught by the demigod Māui . For this reason, Northland is sometimes referred to as "The tail of the fish", Te Hiku o Te Ika . Northland iwi claim that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga (although others claim this was at Taipa) in the northwest of Northland, and thus the region claims that it was the birthplace of New Zealand. Some of
861-655: The Northland Council was rejected by the Local Government Commission in June 2015. Northland Region covers 12,507.14 km (4,829.03 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 204,800 as of June 2024, with a population density of 16 people per km . Northland Region had a population of 194,007 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 14,931 people (8.3%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 42,318 people (27.9%) since
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#1732798808647902-418: The Northland green tree gecko ( Naultinus grayii ). The western coast is dominated by several long straight beaches, the most famous of which is the inaccurately-named 88 km stretch of Ninety Mile Beach in the region's far north. The slightly longer Ripiro Beach lies further south. Two large inlets are also located on this coast, the massive Kaipara Harbour in the south, which Northland shares with
943-424: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 20,514 (13.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 87,414 (56.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 41,562 (26.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 33,100, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 11,367 people (7.3%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
984-610: The country). Some of the islands became notable as well, such as Motu Apo (Te Pahi Island) where 60 of chief Te Pahi 's people were killed as revenge after he was wrongly accused of being responsible for the Boyd Massacre at Whangaroa . The first European to visit the area was Captain Cook , who named the region in 1769. The Bay of Islands was the first area in New Zealand to be settled by Europeans. Whalers arrived towards
1025-419: The day. In 1886, Albert Ernest Fuller launched the sailing ship Undine in the Bay of Islands to deliver coal supplies to the islands within the Bay. With the fitting of a motor in the early 20th century, Fuller was able to deliver the coal and essential supplies to communities as far out as Cape Brett. In 1927 Fuller acquired Cream Trip from Eddie Lane – with the facilities on board to transport cream from
1066-615: The end of the 18th century, while the first missionaries settled in 1814. The first full-blooded European child recorded as being born in the country, Thomas King, was born in 1815 at Oihi Bay in the Bay of Islands (there have been unsubstantiated claims that a European girl was born earlier at the Dusky Sound settlement in the South Island ). The bay has many interesting historic towns including Paihia , Russell , Waitangi and Kerikeri . Russell, formerly known as Kororāreka ,
1107-499: The fascination of local Māori who called them "man-carrying dogs" ( kurī waha tangata ). The Bay of Islands was visited in the 19th century by sealing ships and whaling ships that hunted in the ocean around New Zealand, often bartering with local iwi to restock their food supplied with local potatoes and pork. In December 1835 Charles Darwin visited the Bay of Islands in HMS ; Beagle . In February 1840, some members of
1148-483: The flagpole at Kororāreka (Russell) to start the Flagstaff War . Many of the Māori settlements later played important roles in the development of New Zealand, such as Okiato (the nation's first capital), Waitangi (where the Treaty of Waitangi would later be signed) and Kerikeri, (which was an important departure point for inland Māori going to sea, and later site of the first permanent mission station in
1189-460: The largest town is Kerikeri . At the 2018 New Zealand census , Northland recorded a population growth spurt of 18.1% since the previous 2013 census , placing it as the fastest growing region in New Zealand, ahead of other strong growth regions such as the Bay of Plenty Region (2nd with 15%) and Waikato (3rd with 13.5%). The Northland Region occupies the northern 80% (265 kilometres (165 miles)) of
1230-402: The major industry in Northland was kauri gum digging, which by the 1910s was centred around the townships of Ahipara and Houhora . The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Northland was estimated at NZ$ 7.86 billion in the year to March 2019, 2.6% of New Zealand's national GDP. The regional GDP per capita was estimated at $ 42,104 in 2019, the lowest of all New Zealand regions. In
1271-510: The north-western part of the bay from the Pacific Ocean, and Cape Brett Peninsula extends 10 km (6 mi) into the ocean at the eastern end of the bay. The biggest town is Kerikeri , followed by Paihia . The small town of Russell is located at the end of a short peninsula that extends into the bay from the southeast. About 700 years ago, the Mātaatua , one of the large Māori migration canoes which journeyed to New Zealand from Hawaiki ,
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1312-456: The oldest traces of Māori kāinga (fishing villages) can be found here. If the Māori regard the region as the legendary birthplace of the country, there can be no doubt that it was the European starting-point for the modern nation of New Zealand. Traders, whalers and sealers were among the first arrivals, and the gum and timber of the mighty kauri trees brought more colonisers. In
1353-507: The refinery for electricity production, but no longer does so. 35°35′S 173°58′E / 35.58°S 173.97°E / -35.58; 173.97 Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is an area on the east coast of the Far North District of the North Island of New Zealand. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since American author Zane Grey publicised it in
1394-503: The region being encircled by the moderating Pacific and Tasman waters, but light frosts do occur infrequently around Dargaville in the lowlands. The hottest months are January and February. In January 2009, excessive sunlight hours and below-average rainfall resulted in the region being declared a drought zone. Typical annual rainfall for the region is 1500–2000 mm but varies at different altitudes. Northland has an average of 2000 sunshine hours annually. Winds are predominantly from
1435-566: The region: Until 1989 Northland was governed by several councils and an earlier Northland Regional Council known as the Northland United Council. (It had been part of Auckland Province from 1853 until government was centralised in 1876. Long after Auckland Province ceased, the region continued to be known as North Auckland.) In 1989, Kaitaia Borough, Mangonui County , Whangaroa County , Bay of Islands County , Hokianga County , and Kaikohe Borough were amalgamated to become
1476-582: The southwest. Occasionally in summer, the region experiences stormy conditions from former cyclones which generally become much weaker once they leave tropical latitudes. The Northland Region has been governed by the present Northland Regional Council since 1989. The seat of the council is in Whangārei . Regional council members represent 8 constituencies: Far North, Bay of Islands-Whangaroa, Mid North, Coastal Central, Coastal South, Whangārei City, Kaipara and Te Raki. There are three territorial authorities in
1517-582: The year to March 2018, primary industries contributed $ 984 million (13.1%) to the regional GDP, goods-producing industries contributed $ 1.59 billion (21.2%), service industries contributed $ 4.30 billion (57.1%), and taxes and duties contributed $ 645 million (8.6%) The region's economy is based on agriculture (notably beef cattle and sheep), fishing, forestry , and horticulture . Northland has 4,423 hectares (10,930 acres) of horticultural land as of 2017. Significant crops include avocadoes , kumara , kiwifruit , citrus fruit and olives . Extensive forests are
1558-455: Was sailed to the Bay of Islands (from the Bay of Plenty) by Puhi, a progenitor of the Ngāpuhi iwi (tribe) which today is the largest in the country. Māori settled and multiplied throughout the bay and on several of its many islands to establish various tribes such as the Ngāti Miru at Kerikeri. Many notable Māori were born in the Bay of Islands, including Hōne Heke who several times cut down
1599-557: Was spoken by 97.0%, Māori language by 10.1%, Samoan by 0.4% and other languages by 7.1%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 16.9, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 31.2% Christian , 0.7% Hindu , 0.2% Islam , 3.8% Māori religious beliefs , 0.5% Buddhist , 0.5% New Age , 0.1% Jewish , and 1.2% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 54.2%, and 7.8% of people did not answer
1640-421: Was that 67,788 (43.5%) people were employed full-time, 21,735 (13.9%) were part-time, and 5,469 (3.5%) were unemployed. Māori refer to Northland – and by extension its Māori people – as Te Taitokerau (the northern tide) and Māori language and traditions are strong there. Major tribal groups include Ngāpuhi , Te Aupōuri , Te Rarawa , Ngāti Kahu , Ngāti Kurī and Ngāti Whātua . Several of these tribes form
1681-574: Was the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand, and dates from the early 19th century. Kerikeri contains many historic sites from the earliest European colonial settlement in the country. These include the Mission House , also called Kemp House, which is the oldest wooden structure still standing in New Zealand. The Stone Store , a former storehouse, is the oldest stone building in New Zealand, construction having begun on 19 April 1832. These settlements also reared horses during this time to