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10 ways to discover Otaki’s rich history

Be part of an amazing and beautiful cultural experience, learn about Otaki’s rich history and explore the historic sites of Otaki with Zilchoo's 10 ways to discover Otaki's Rich History... 




Battle of Haowhenua - Haowhenua was one of the biggest inter-tribal battles in the southern North Island. In 1834, Ngāti Ruanui and Taranaki iwi, in particular Ngāti Tupaea and Ngāti Haumia hapū Pukehou
“The Hill of Dedication” - One of the paramount chiefs of Ngāti Apa, Te Hakeke, rallied his people to maintain his independence. Te Hakeke was married to Haewa, a Muaupoko woman of high rank. On the birth of their child, Te Rara-o-te-rangi
Pukeraraka Catholic Mission - The Catholic community of Pukekaraka is one of the oldest places of Catholic worship in New Zealand with the Shrine Mary being the most important at that time in the country. 
Te Rauparaha Memorial - The Te Rauparaha Memorial and Jubilee Memorial were originally erected in 1880 as part of thanksgiving celebrations commemorating the arrival and continuation of the Anglican Mission in the Kapiti/Horowhenua region. 
Otaki Maori Racing Club - This is the only surviving Maori racing club in New Zealand – for that matter, the world. 
Rangiatea Church - was the oldest Māori Anglican church in New Zealand. Originally completed in 1851, the building was unfortunately burnt down by an arsonist in 1995, but by 2003 the church had been completely rebuilt, thanks to hard work and dedication of the local community.
Otaki Museum - The Otaki Bank of New Zealand c1920. Built in 1918, the front was altered in 1967 when it was the Otaki Borough Council building. It is now the Otaki Museum 
Dry Stone walls - Dry stone walls were built during the Great Depression of the 1930's as a result of a government scheme to provide relief work for the unemployed.
Otaki Railway station - The original station building was built in 1886 on completion of the Wellington and Manawatu Company’s railway line. Coaches linked it with the town, over a mile westward. 
Seed O’Brien Saw Mill - The boiler and other machinery from the Seed and O-Brien's sawmill. This was part of the Tararua Timber Co. and was in operation from 1929 - 1931.










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