Okauia
Coordinates: 37°47′18″S 175°50′18″E / 37.788390°S 175.838420°E / -37.788390; 175.838420
CountryNew Zealand
RegionWaikato
Territorial authorityMatamata-Piako District
WardMatamata Ward
Electorates
Government
 • Territorial AuthorityMatamata-Piako District Council
 • Regional councilWaikato Regional Council
Area
[1]
 • Total54.56 km2 (21.07 sq mi)
Population
 (2018 Census)[2]
 • Total306
 • Density5.6/km2 (15/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+12 (NZST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode
3401
Area code07

Okauia is a rural settlement and community located east of Matamata, in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island.

The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of "place of articles threaded on a stick" for Ōkauia.[3]

There are hot springs on both banks of the Waihou River. Opal is on the west bank and Crystal,[4] or Chrystal, on the east.[5]

Wairere Falls, the highest waterfall in the North Island, is northeast of Okauia.

Marae

The area includes three marae affiliated with the Ngāti Hinerangi iwi:

Another local marae, Tangata Marae, is affiliated with the Ngāti Raukawa iwi and its Ngāti Hinerangi hapū.[6][7] In October 2020, the Government committed $1,259,392 from the Provincial Growth Fund to upgrade Tangata Marae and 7 other Ngāti Raukawa marae, creating 18 jobs.[8]

History

In 1879 about 30,000 acres (12,000 ha) at Okauia[9] was divided, largely to F A Whittaker and Josiah Firth.[10] In 1896 the government bought the 6,528 acres (2,642 ha) Okauia section of Firth's Matamata estate,[11] under the Land for Settlements Acts,[12] and started selling it to settlers in 1898.[13] However, it wasn't until 1911 that most of the land was taken up and the Okauia scheme was reported as a success.[14] The hot springs were not part of the sales.[15]

A post office opened in 1906.[16]

Okauia Creamery in 1909

A school, at the east end of Okauia Springs Road[17] opened early[18] in 1909.[19] In 1924 there were 34 pupils and 2 teachers.[20] and closed between 1936[21] and 1945.[22][23] From 1925 standards 5 and 6 pupils went to Matamata Junior High School.[24] In 1939 a 2-room Native school opened,[25] at the end of Douglas Road, using the Okauia school building. That school closed in 1968 and the building was moved to Walton School. The Okauia Hall, opened in 1961, was built on the site of the old Okauia School horse paddock.[26]

A creamery opened in October 1909,[27] to the east, on Old Te Aroha Road.[28] It closed in 1915.[29]

In 1919 plans were made for a residential development,[30] where the 18-hole, 100 acres (40 ha) golf course[31] (opened in 1935)[32] now is.[33]

The Thames Valley Electric Power Board extended their lines to Okauia in 1923.[34]

A hall opened in 1928,[35] to the south, on Barton Road.[23] It was replaced by the present hall, about a kilometre east of the springs,[36] around 1951.[37]

Okauia bridge in 1908

The first bridge across the Waihou River was built for Josiah Firth. It was shortened to 40 ft (12 m) in 1913,[38] repaired in 1929[39] and replaced in 1956.[40][41] Te Aroha Road was extended south to Okauia in 1915.[42] Shingle for roads was taken from the river in the 1920s.[43] The road from Matamata was gravelled in 1924.[44] It was sealed in 1931.[45] A bus from Matamata to the springs began in 1923[46] and was still running in 1938.[47]

Obstructions were removed from the river, so that by 1923 a 30 ft (9.1 m) launch could reach Okauia.[48] The river below Okauia isn't blocked by willow trees, but is now little used.[49]

Demographics

Okauia settlement is in two SA1 statistical areas, which cover 54.56 km2 (21.07 sq mi).[1] The SA1 areas are part of the larger Okauia statistical area.

Historical population for Okauia and surrounds
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006255—    
2013312+2.92%
2018306−0.39%
Source: [2]

Okauia had a population of 306 at the 2018 New Zealand census, a decrease of 6 people (−1.9%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 51 people (20.0%) since the 2006 census. There were 111 households, comprising 165 males and 144 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.15 males per female, with 72 people (23.5%) aged under 15 years, 60 (19.6%) aged 15 to 29, 135 (44.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 42 (13.7%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 79.4% European/Pākehā, 18.6% Māori, 3.9% Pacific peoples, 5.9% Asian, and 1.0% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 44.1% had no religion, 47.1% were Christian, 2.9% had Māori religious beliefs and 1.0% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 33 (14.1%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 45 (19.2%) people had no formal qualifications. 33 people (14.1%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 132 (56.4%) people were employed full-time, 45 (19.2%) were part-time, and 9 (3.8%) were unemployed.[2]

Okauia statistical area

Okauia statistical area covers 120.03 km2 (46.34 sq mi)[1] and had an estimated population of 1,120 as of June 2022,[50] with a population density of 9.3 people per km2.

Historical population for the statistical area
YearPop.±% p.a.
2006891—    
2013972+1.25%
20181,041+1.38%
Source: [51]

Okauia statistical area had a population of 1,041 at the 2018 New Zealand census, an increase of 69 people (7.1%) since the 2013 census, and an increase of 150 people (16.8%) since the 2006 census. There were 378 households, comprising 537 males and 504 females, giving a sex ratio of 1.07 males per female. The median age was 37.4 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 231 people (22.2%) aged under 15 years, 210 (20.2%) aged 15 to 29, 471 (45.2%) aged 30 to 64, and 129 (12.4%) aged 65 or older.

Ethnicities were 87.0% European/Pākehā, 13.8% Māori, 2.0% Pacific peoples, 4.9% Asian, and 1.7% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity.

The percentage of people born overseas was 16.4, compared with 27.1% nationally.

Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 51.0% had no religion, 39.2% were Christian, 1.2% had Māori religious beliefs, 0.6% were Hindu, 0.9% were Muslim, 0.3% were Buddhist and 1.2% had other religions.

Of those at least 15 years old, 105 (13.0%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 165 (20.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income was $38,400, compared with $31,800 nationally. 150 people (18.5%) earned over $70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 465 (57.4%) people were employed full-time, 138 (17.0%) were part-time, and 21 (2.6%) were unemployed.[51]

Hot springs

Opal Hot Springs in 2023

Okauia Springs were part of the geothermal taonga of Ngāti Hinerangi, but by 1880 Okauia No.5 block, containing the Ramaroa spring, was sold into private ownership, with a verbal agreement between the owner and the iwi that they could continue to use it. However, by 1920 the block had been sold to a new owner, and despite protest to the Crown, Ngāti Hinerangi had to pay to use the spring. Access to other hot springs ended in a similar way. A deed of settlement between Ngāti Hinerangi and the Crown, redressing some of the unjust Crown actions, was signed on 4 May 2019.[52]

J. C. Firth opened Opal (Okauia) and Crystal (Papahuia) springs.[53] The original pool, Ramaroa, was named after a canoe, turned to a stone in the pool.[53] An alternative explanation of the name Rama Roa, is “Long Light,” as the sun sometimes causes it to shimmer with light.[44] Opal was named for its clear, pale-blue water and Crystal for its small, diamond-like crystals.[53] At Opal, after the bridge was built overlooking the pool,[54] changing rooms, concrete steps and a wall between Opal and the river, were added.[55] Accommodation was built in 1923.[56] In 1925 Opal was doubled in length to 61 ft (19 m) x 25 ft (7.6 m), lined with concrete and extra changing rooms added.[57] A sample at Okauia in 1994 measured a temperature of 39 °C (102 °F) and a higher level of bicarbonate than most springs.[58]

Crystal Hot Springs in 1949

William Owen Garland developed Crystal Springs from 1916.[5] The river was dammed and a rectangular pool dug out.[53] Crystal was concreted and extended in 1929,[59] when a report said 80,000 imp gal (360,000 L) filled the pool in 2h 45m, equivalent to about 485 imp gal (2.20 m3) per minute.[60] In 1959 the flow was reported as about 100 imp gal (0.45 m3)/min higher.[61] In 1968 4 cases of meningitis were contracted after swimming at Crystal Springs, so the public pool was closed,[62] as it was after other cases in 1971[63] and 1978. The pools were rebuilt and opened for bathing of horses and greyhounds.[64] Crystal Springs are now used by Youth With A Mission.[65]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "ArcGIS Web Application". statsnz.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. 7011582 and 7011583.
  3. ↑ "1000 Māori place names". New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 6 August 2019.
  4. ↑ "Opal Spring, Waikato". NZ Topo Map. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  5. 1 2 "OKAUIA THERMAL REGIONS. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1 December 1924. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Te Kāhui Māngai directory". tkm.govt.nz. Te Puni Kōkiri.
  7. 1 2 "Māori Maps". maorimaps.com. Te Potiki National Trust.
  8. ↑ "Marae Announcements" (Excel). growregions.govt.nz. Provincial Growth Fund. 9 October 2020.
  9. ↑ "JUDGMENT IN THE OKAUIA CASE. New Zealand Herald". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 13 June 1879. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  10. ↑ "NEW ZEALAND TELEGRAMS. New Zealand Herald". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 12 June 1879. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "LOCAL AND GENERAL. Evening Post". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 29 October 1896. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  12. ↑ "DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND SURVEY (ANNUAL REPORT ON)". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1897. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  13. ↑ "Te Aroha News". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 12 February 1898. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  14. ↑ "DEPARTMENT OF LANDS (ANNUAL REPORT ON)". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1911. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  15. ↑ "PUBLIC RIGHTS Putaruru Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 22 February 1945. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  16. ↑ "WAHAROA. Waikato Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 26 July 1906. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "1:63360 map Sheet: SAK39". www.mapspast.org.nz. 1934. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  18. ↑ "LOCAL AND GENERAL. Te Aroha News". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 23 January 1909. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  19. ↑ "COUNTRY NEWS. New Zealand Herald". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 7 December 1909. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  20. ↑ "List of Public Schools, the Staff, etc". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1924. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  21. ↑ "OKAUIA SCHOOL Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 14 April 1936. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  22. ↑ "MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL Putaruru Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 21 November 1946. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  23. 1 2 "1:63360 map Sheet: N66 Matamata". www.mapspast.org.nz. 1945. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  24. ↑ "JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 15 January 1925. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  25. ↑ "EDUCATION OF NATIVE CHILDREN". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 7 June 1940. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  26. ↑ "Matamata-Piako District Heritage Trail" (PDF). 2009.
  27. ↑ "LOCAL AND GENERAL. Te Aroha News". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 14 October 1909. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  28. ↑ "872 Old Te Aroha Rd". Google Maps. September 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  29. ↑ "OKAUIA Te Aroha News". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 1 September 1915. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  30. ↑ "NOTES BY THE WAY Waikato Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 18 September 1919. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  31. ↑ "ROCKY DOWNS GOLF CLUB Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 24 December 1934. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  32. ↑ "NEW GOLF COURSE Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 9 May 1935. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  33. ↑ "Okauia township". kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  34. ↑ "OKAUIA. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2 August 1923. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  35. ↑ "OKAUIA. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2 July 1928. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  36. ↑ "375 Okauia Springs Rd". Google Maps. April 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  37. ↑ "PROPOSED HALL FOR OKAUIA Putaruru Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 23 November 1950. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  38. ↑ "MATAMATA COUNTY COUNCIL Waikato Argus". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 9 April 1913. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  39. ↑ "Okauia. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 25 February 1929. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  40. ↑ "REPLACING OKAUIA BRIDGE Putaruru Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 24 August 1950. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  41. ↑ "310 Okauia Springs Rd". Google Maps. April 2019. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  42. ↑ "Matamata County Council. Te Aroha News". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 3 November 1915. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  43. ↑ "MATAMATA COUNTY. Putaruru Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 26 March 1925. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  44. 1 2 "PROGRESSIVE WAIKATO Waikato Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 10 September 1924. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  45. ↑ "Okauia. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 5 February 1931. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  46. ↑ "Brief Mention of Happenings in Matamata and Vicinity. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 20 December 1923. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  47. ↑ "Waikato Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 21 June 1938. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  48. ↑ "OKAUIA. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 2 August 1923. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  49. ↑ G.D. & J.H. Egarr (1981). "New Zealand Recreational River Survey Pnrt Il" (PDF). NIWA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 17 April 2021.
  50. ↑ "Population estimate tables - NZ.Stat". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  51. 1 2 "Statistical area 1 dataset for 2018 Census". Statistics New Zealand. March 2020. Okauia (174700). 2018 Census place summary: Okauia
  52. ↑ "Ngāti Hinerangi deed of settlement" (PDF). 4 May 2019.
  53. 1 2 3 4 "In hot water". New Zealand Geographic. October 1998. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  54. ↑ "A TRIP TO THE PATETERE COUNTRY. New Zealand Herald". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 10 October 1883. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  55. ↑ "The Ramaroa Opal Hot Springs, Matamata. New Zealand Graphic". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 14 March 1908. Retrieved 22 May 2023.
  56. ↑ "OKAUIA. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 22 February 1923. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  57. ↑ "MATAMATA. Waikato Times". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 11 April 1925. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  58. ↑ "Environment Waikato Technical Report 2008/01 Interpretation of Geochemical Data (REGEMP II) and Recommendations for Further Monitoring" (PDF). December 2007.
  59. ↑ "Okauia. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 3 October 1929. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
  60. ↑ "Okauia. Matamata Record". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 7 October 1929. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  61. ↑ "TOURIST RESORT CHANGES HANDS Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 5 September 1959. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  62. ↑ "A Good Example. Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 28 September 1968. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  63. ↑ "Boy seriously ill after pool swim. Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 14 September 1971. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  64. ↑ "Hot springs to reopen. Press". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 21 April 1979. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  65. ↑ "YWAM Matamata". Youth With A Mission. Retrieved 16 May 2023.

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